Santa amrud bech rha tha Banta :

Santa amrud bech rha tha Banta :(Kharidte Huye-Agr amrud me kida nikla
to?Santa:To saaf bat h,hum kide k alag Paise lenge, kyu ki non veg,veg
se jyada mehnga hai. :p

''Never design your character like a garden where anyone can walk.....

''Never design your character like a garden where anyone can walk.....
Design your character like the sky where everyone desires 2 reach.....' : )

Munda kudi de baap nu- "mainu tuhadi kuri da haath chahida

Munda kudi de baap nu- "mainu tuhadi kuri da haath chahida.":-(

Kudi da baap-"kamineya main ki kudi de SPARE parts vechda ha...??

Two thoughts decide the progress in life:

Two thoughts decide the progress in life:
The way u interact when u have nothing in hand & The way u manage when
u have everything in hand.

DAD-What was your result?

DAD-What was your result?
SON-I failed in 5 subjects!
DAD-From now onwards don't call me DAD.
SON-Oh come on DAD, it was my school test, not a DNA test.....:D:P

Teacher-tense kitne tarah k hote h, boy-past, present,future,

Teacher-tense kitne tarah k hote h, boy-past, present,future,
teacher-very gud n example. Boy-kal apki Beti ko dekha, aaj pyar karta
hu, kal bhaga ke le jaunga

In each single day we smile and laugh so many times

In each single day we smile and laugh so many times..We never thank
God after every smile but we do blame him 4 every tear we
cry.Think..!!! Good morning

Santa biwi ke ofice gaya

Santa biwi ke ofice gaya to dekha,biwi boss ki god mein baithi
thi..Santa bola-chal laajo,aisi jagah kaam nahi karna jaha staff ke
liye kursi bhi na ho..

Proposal of 5th clas boy to 7th class girl.

Proposal of 5th clas boy to 7th class girl.
Boy-I luv u. Girl-Stupid I m older than u.
Boy-I m madly in love with u.
Girl-Get lost!
Boy-Didi plz...

Santa-aaj party kyo de rhe ho?

Santa-aaj party kyo de rhe ho?
banta-aaj mera scooter kho gaya, bhagwan ka shukar hai h k main us par
nhi baitha tha varna main b kho jata.

Teacher- Translate, bazaar me goliyan chal rahi hai

Teacher- Translate, bazaar me goliyan chal rhe hain, santa-the tablets
are walking in the market

Wife: pados wale raj ki beti ko English mein 99 marks mile

Wife: pados wale raj ki beti ko English mein 99 marks mile...

Husband : arre yaar...!

1 no. Kahan gaya...?

Wife: Woh hamara beta laya hai..:-)

Santa to badmash: Oye Badmashaa meri bhen da dupatta wapas karde.

Santa to badmash: Oye Badmashaa meri bhen da dupatta wapas karde.
Badmash= Chal Oye Chal, nahi deni, Tu ki karenga? Santa=veere de de
plz, peeku karani si-)))

Lecture me masti thi

Lecture me masti thi.Hamari bhi kuch hasti thi.Tutions ka sahara
tha.Dil ye awara tha.Kaha aa gaye is DEGREE K afat me, wo 11th 12th ka
time kitna pyara tha.:-)

"Bharat mera desh hai

"Bharat mera desh hai
or
sabhi bhartiya mere
bhai-bahen hai!"
Isse do hi indian ne follow kiya hai
&
that's true indian.
1-Rajiv Gandhi
2-Sania Mirza... :D

Santa: tum bike itni fast kyun chala rahe ho?

Santa: tum bike itni fast kyun chala rahe ho?

Banta: ye letter urgent puchana hai.

Santa: kahan?

Banta: Address padhne ka time nahi hai..:-D

Kya ye bacche apke hai

<('.')>chingu
[{'.')>pingu
[('.')>mingu

Kya ye bacche apke hai, agar nahi to aage bhej do, jiske honge rakh
lege. surat mil rahi thi to laga apke honge..;

Sms

Kya
Aapko
Maloom
Hai
Ki
.
.
.*'""* . *""'*.
( :Aap Yaha: )
* :Rehte: *
"*. :Hai: .*"
"*"
AUr
Kiraya Bhi nhi dete

Kya Aapko Maloom Hai

Kya
Aapko
Maloom
Hai
Ki
.
.
.*'""* . *""'*.
( :Aap Yaha: )
* :Rehte: *
"*. :Hai: .*"
"*"
AUr
Kiraya Bhi nhi dete

Today is SCD i.e. SECRET COMPLIMENT DAY

Today is SCD i.e. SECRET COMPLIMENT DAY.Tell me one compliment u ever
thought 2 give me but never gave.Reply without hesitation.. Reply is
must.

Sri Sri: Your taste is nothing that cannot be changed

Sri Sri: Your taste is nothing that cannot be changed. Your aversions
bind you, robs the freedom from you. Stand back and look at them.

Sri Sri: You have to drop the Holding rock

Sri Sri: You have to drop the Holding rock in order to pluck the
flowers in your life.

Raat Ko 2 Sharabiyo Ne Talaab me Chand Ki Parchayi

Raat Ko 2 Sharabiyo Ne Talaab me Chand Ki Parchayi Dekhi 1st-Ye Kya
Hai? 2nd-Abe Ye Chand Hai.1st- Saale Ghar Chal Hum Chand Par Pahunch
Gaye h.

Techr:- prasang sahit vyakhya karo

Techr:- prasang sahit vyakhya karo

"Bheege honth tere, pyaasa dil mera"

Student: Ye pankti bollywood ke prasiddh kavi sant shri Imraan Haashmi
ji ki rachna 'murder' ke "bheege honth" gaane se li gayi hai. Is
kavita mein kavi mayavi Mallika Sherawat ko sambodhit karte huye paani
ka mahatwa samjhate hain ki agar aapke honth par ek boond bhi paani ho
to saamne jo bhi pyaasa hai usey pila do. Aur in panktiyo se humko
kavi ke kamine hone ka ehsaas hota hai..:)

Height of Possessiveness:

Height of Possessiveness:
A boy dying of cancer..
Friend:y do u keep tellin people ur dying of AIDS??
Boy:So,whn I die, no 1 wil dare touch my Grl Frd!

Sri Sri: From the object move to the Center

Sri Sri: From the object move to the Center,then to the Experience of
pleasure.This is the way to have a continued experience and joy in
life

Sri Sri: Everything in you is made up of one consciousness

Sri Sri: Everything in you is made up of one consciousness-like, every
wave of water is made up of water itself and nothing other than water.

Sri Sri: When desires get fulfilled you are happy

Sri Sri: When desires get fulfilled you are happy, otherwise, you feel
bad. Do not feel bad. Nature knows what is best for you.

Sri Sri: Be proud of the Love. That is beautiful.

Sri Sri: Be proud of the Love. That is beautiful. Be proud of the Love
that Nature, Divine and people are giving to you

Art of living Sms,

Sri Sri: Your forgiveness should be such that the person you forgive
does not know that you are forgiving them.They should not feel guilty

Sri Sri: Your forgiveness should be such that the person

Sri Sri: Your forgiveness should be such that the person you forgive
does not know that you are forgiving them.They should not feel guilty

Sri Sri: If you want to grow in Divine Love,

Sri Sri: If you want to grow in Divine Love, you have got to drop the
pride and the artificial wall you build between yourself and others.

Sri Sri: If you want to grow in Divine Love

Sri Sri: If you want to grow in Divine Love, you have got to drop the
pride and the artificial wall you build between yourself and others.

Sri Sri: Though you exist with a body, in the state of samadhi

Sri Sri: Though you exist with a body, in the state of samadhi you are
not there at all. Live as though you do not exist-this is samadhi.

Santa:Biwi se ladai khatm hui?

Santa:Biwi se ladai khatm hui?
Banta:Ghutne tek k mere pas aai thi.
Santa:usne ghutne tek k kya kaha?
Banta:yahi ki bed k niche se nikal aao,ab nhi marungi..!

newly married husband saves wife's no

newly married husband saves wife's no. on mobile as "MY LIFE".
After 1yr "MY WIFE".
5 YR "HOME".
10 yr "HITLER"
after silver anniverary "WRONG NUMBER".

Sri Sri: A hand unseen is behind this creation

Sri Sri: A hand unseen is behind this creation, and every pair of eyes
is looking for that hand wherever one looks, but it is not seen.

Father Watchng FTV, Son Comes In.

Father Watchng FTV, Son Comes In. Father said"Gareeb Ladkiyan
Hain,Kapde Lene K Liye B Paise Nahin Hain!
Son:"Isse B Gareeb chaiye to CD mere pass hai;)

Suna Hai Aapki Muskurahat Pe Har Koi Marta Hai..

Suna Hai Aapki Muskurahat Pe Har Koi Marta Hai.

.
.
Zara Time Nikaal Kar Aana To.

.
.
.
Ek Chuhiya Maarni Hai.

Samosa Said 2 Aloo:

Samosa Said 2 Aloo:
Jab mein fry hota hon to Tumhe cover Kar k Garam Oil se Bacha leta Hu
cz I Luv u.

Aloo said:
Jab log Tumhe Fry hone k foran bad Khate h to
M b unki Zuban or Muh Jala Deta hu I luv u 2

Moral of d story:In Dono ki Prem kahani pe na Jayen.
Samosa Thoda Thanda Kar K Khayen.

Earlier Luv Startd wid Eyes

Earlier Luv Startd wid Eyes
Grew wid Gifts
Ended wid Tears.

Now:
Luv Starts frm Cellphone
Grows wid Msgs&
Ends wid
"Upbhogta
Kisi aur Call par VYASTA HAI."

Santa= sir humne ek aisi cheez banayi h jisse hm diwar k us paar ka b dekh sakta he.

Santa= sir humne ek aisi cheez banayi h jisse hm diwar k us paar ka b
dekh sakta he.
Boss= wow...! fantastic, kya he wo?

Santa= Suraakh.!

Aurat: Ye condom kitne ka hai?

Aurat: Ye condom kitne ka hai?
Dukandar: 10 Rs. ka.
Aurat: Hey bhagwan, mehngai to dekho, Saatvi class mein thi to 50
paise ke 3 aate the!!

Santa- Apka kutta to sher jaisa dikhta h.

Santa- Apka kutta to sher jaisa dikhta h....!Kya khilate ho isey ?
Banta-wo sher hi h,saala PYAR-VYAR k chkkar me padkar kutte jaisa
dikhne laga hai

1 ladka apne papa ki shadi ki CD dekhte hue

1 ladka apne papa ki shadi ki CD dekhte hue-Papa,muje bi apni shadi
me "ITEM GIRLS" nachani hai aapki shadi ki tarah.
Papa-Haram Khor! Ye sab teri Buaa hai..!

Q: Bhagwan ko gussa kab aata hai..??

Q: Bhagwan ko gussa kab aata hai..??

Ans: Jab koi ladki shaadi se pehle pregnant ho jaye, aur uski maa
kahe, hey bhagwan ye tune kya kiya... :D

Height of HARAMIPAN

Height of HARAMIPAN -pappu naha raha tha ki 1 ladki ne bell bajai
,usne nange hi darwaza khola.woh boli kuch to pahen lo,


woh ander gaya

aur

condom pehan k aa gaya.

Height of Far Sightedness

Height of Far Sightedness
Once an old man ws waitin 4 a train.
A young boy asked him d tym.
Old man refused to tell d tym.
Boy insisted bt old man denied.
Boy asked d reason?
Old man said if i tell u d tym,
den u'll ask abt me,my name,job etc.
Den i'll ask abt u.
Both of us ll b frank.
Den u may get d seat wid me & also get down at my station.
My daughter ll come 2 receive me.
She'll meet u.
She's beautiful.
U may fall in love wid her,she 2.
Den she may insist to marry u,even may threaten me.
& i'm sorry,i dont want such a poor son in law who hasnt got his own
watch to see d tym.. :p ;D

Son was crying, dad came and asked y r u crying?

Son was crying, dad came and asked y r u crying? tel me, i m ur frnd
na? son-kuch ni yaara! bournvita zyada maang liya to teri wali ne
maara...

Care is the sweetest essence in d worl

Care is the sweetest essence in d world.If someone says take care-it
means u live in that person's heart till the last beat. SO__ALWAYS
TAKE CARE!

Gf-aaj me tumhe wo jagah dikhaungi

Gf-aaj me tumhe wo jagah dikhaungi jahan mera apndix operation hua
tha. Boyfrnd gets excited then Girl says-ye dekho apollo hospital

sita-bhuk lagi hai, Ram-ruko main papita tod kar lata hu

sita-bhuk lagi hai, Ram-ruko main papita tod kar lata hu, itne me
Ravan sita ko utha kar le gya, Ram-sitey-sitey....... laxman-aur khila
papitey

TEACHER- Oxygen ki khoj 1858 me hui thi.

TEACHER-
Oxygen ki khoj 1858 me hui thi.
Santa-Thank god mera janam usse pehle nahi hua
Varna main to ghut-ghut ke mar he jata...!!

Master To Student:A B C D Se Shuru Hone Wale Alphabet

Master To Student:
A B C D Se
Shuru Hone Wale Alphabets Se Sentence Banao.?

Student:

A=Apni
B=Beti ka
C=Cell Number
D=Dejiye

Birds that live in a lake will fly away when

Birds that live in a lake will fly away when the lake dries up, but
the lotus in the same lake dries up with the lake. Thats the
commitment in true relation.:)

girl mere husband ko andar bula lejiye

girl mere husband ko andar bula lejiye. doctor-ghabrayie nhi main
shareef aadmi hu, girl-no, doctor aap samjh nhi rhe aapki nurse bahar
akeli hai

judge to santa-tum 3rd time adalat main aa rhe ho

judge to santa-tum 3rd time adalat main aa rhe ho, tumhe sharam nhi
aati..? santa-janab tusi ta roz he aande ho tuhanu ta dubb ke marr
jana chahida hai.....

Boss asked Santa to buy two corner tickets

Boss asked Santa to buy two corner tickets for a movie to watch with
his Girlfriend. Santa bought two corner tickets: A1................A26

santa pikar lauta, biwi k dant se bachne k liye

santa pikar lauta, biwi k dant se bachne k liye badi c book le kar
padne laga, wife-aaj fir pikar aaye? santa-nhi, wife-to suitcase
kholkar kya badbada rhe ho

If we become too sentimental, its too hard to lead life..

If we become too sentimental, its too hard to lead life..
&
If we become too practical,its too tough to respect Relations.. Gdmrng

Santa goes to gulabo's home n knocks the door

1) Santa goes to gulabo's home n knocks the door

Gulabo- kon..?
Santa - Main...!
Gulabo-Main kon.?

Santa- Le dass! Ullu di pathi tu gulabo hor kon.?

Deep breathing ‘cuts stress as much as massage’

Source: BBC News - Deep breathing 'cuts stress as much as massage'
Massage is no more effective at cutting anxiety than deep breathing
and soothing music, say US researchers.The study of 68 people,
reported in Depression and Anxiety, showed anxiety symptoms were
halved for those given 10 massage sessions over three months. But
those given relaxation therapy, which is much cheaper, improved by the
same amount. Massage experts say the primary aim of massage is to
treat damage to soft tissue rather than relaxation. The study looked
at people with generalised anxiety disorder, a condition involving
excessive worry that makes normal life difficult. The patients were
given one of three treatments. One group had massage. The other two
groups had relaxation therapy (breathing deeply while lying down) or
thermotherapy (having their arms and legs wrapped up intermittently
with heating pads and warm towels).
We were surprised to find that the benefits of massage were no greater
than those of the same number of sessions of 'thermotherapy' or
listening to relaxing music Karen Sherman, lead researcher All
three therapies were given in a relaxing environment with soft
lighting and quiet music. At the end of the treatments, all three
groups reported their anxiety had decreased by about 40% - and about
50% three months later. Lead researcher, Dr Karen Sherman from the
Seattle based Group Health Centre for Health Studies said they were
surprised to find that the benefits of massage were no greater than
those of the same number of sessions of 'thermotherapy' or listening
to relaxing music. "This suggests that the benefits of massage may be
due to a generalised relaxation response," she said. "Treatment in a
relaxing room is much less expensive than the other treatments
(massage or thermotherapy), so it might be the most cost-effective
option for people with generalised anxiety disorder who want to try a
relaxation-oriented complementary medicine therapy." TensionBut
massage organisations pointed out that massage aims to do more than
relax people. Susan Findlay, spokesman for the General Council for
Massage Therapies, said massage was not just about dealing with
emotional issues and relaxation. "Massage therapists do corrective
work with soft tissue such as muscles and tendons. They try to make
these tissues work as well as possible," she said. "However, by
releasing tension in a shoulder for example, massage may also reduce
pain and so make the person feel more relaxed. "This can give the
person being treated a powerful psychological boost."

Chocolate helps treat high BP,cuts stroke risk by 20%

Note: Contents from other sources, shared here, are for knowledge
exchange and not for any commercial gains
Chocolate helps treat high BP,cuts stroke risk by 20%
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Source: Times of India
London: Suffering from hypertension Fret not,just gorge on a chunk of
dark chocolate daily,for a new study reveals that it could have the
same positive effect on high blood pressure as half an hour of
exercise. Researchers have carried out the study and found that people
with high blood pressure can reduce the chance of having a heart
attack or a stroke by 20% if they eat chocolate everyday. According to
them,chocolate,particularly the dark variety,contains chemicals known
as flavanols which naturally open up blood vessels in the body,which
means blood can flow more easily and the pressure drops.You don't
always need medication to reduce blood pressure.This shows that there
are some foods that can help, lead researcher Karin Ried of Adelaide
University was quoted by the Telegraph as saying. For the study,the
experts combined the results of 15 other studies looking at chocolate
and cocoa between 1955 and 2009 covering hundreds of people.They found
that for people with hypertension,eating chocolate could reduce the
blood pressure by up to 5%.But for those with normal pressure it had
no effect,the findings revealed.PTI

Now, buying ULIPS will cost less

MUMBAI: Insurance sector regulator IRDA on Monday came out with a set
of guidelines directing life insurers to offer unit-linked insurance
plans (Ulips) at a much lower cost to buyers, while simultaneously
offering higher life cover though with a longer lock-in period.
While life insurance customers will benefit, the new rules could lead
to a substantial cut in commission for insurance agents and force life
insurance companies to drastically cut costs, leading to lower sales,
industry players said.
Interestingly, IRDA's decision to change rules governing Ulips came
within three months of stock market regulator Sebi saying that Ulips
were investment products as well (on which Sebi is the sole authority)
and banning 14 life insurers from selling Ulips without its
permission.
IRDA, on Monday, said that insurers will now be allowed to charge up
to 4% on annual premium paid on Ulips for the first five years, and
thereafter charges will be reduced during the tenure of the policy.
For plans of 15 years and above, the charges will be restricted at
2.25% of the yearly premium.
These cut in charges would make Ulips more attractive to the buyers
since they will have to pay lower charges for the same premium they
paid earlier. In the long run, this will add to the Ulip buyers'
funds. "Lower charges will benefit the customers," said GV Nageswara
Rao, MD & CEO, IDBI Fortis Life Insurance. However, this could mean
lower commission to insurance agents which in turn might affect sales
of ULIPs, Rao added.
The life insurers will also have to cut their expenses and becuase of
lower sales, it may affect their topline as well as bottomline. "The
capping of expenses guidelines have been made very stringent, this
will have quite farreaching consequences for the industry," said
Kamesh Goyal, country manager & CEO, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance.
"Small regular premium policies will become unviable, thus a large
proportion of people who were paying premium of less than Rs 15,000 or
so a year will suffer badly," Goyal added. There is also fear in the
insurance industry that the new commission structure might not be able
to sustain an insurance agent's income and this channel could suffer.
IRDA has also increased the lock-in period for all Ulips from three
years to five years now, including the top-up premiums.
The decision is expected to make these products more like long-term
financial instruments that can provide risk protection. Longer lock-in
would also discourage those insurance buyers who often entered Ulips,
which are market-linked products, for short term gains. The regulator
also increased the insurance cover on such products to 10 times of the
first-year premium compared to five times now. In its Monday circular
IRDA also said that all pension products should have a guaranteed
return of 4.5% per annum. However industry players feel this could be
difficult to offer. "Providing a fixed guaranteed interest rate could
be a challenge. The returns here should be linked to market-related
rates," said Rao of IDBI Fortis

Ghazal sms

शिकायत है उन्हें कि हमें मोहब्बत करना नही आता,
शिकवा तो इस दिल को भी है
पर इसे शिकायत करना नहीं आता............!!!!

दूरियों से फर्क पड़ता नहीं
बात तो दिलों कि नज़दीकियों से होती है
दोस्ती तो कुछ आप जैसो से है
वरना मुलाकात तो जाने कितनों से होती है

अल्फ़ाज़ों मैं वो दम कहाँ जो बया करे शख़्सियत हमारी,
रूबरू होना है तो आगोश मैं आना होगा,
यूँ देखने भर से नशा नहीं होता जान लो साकी,
हम इक ज़ाम हैं हमें होंठो से लगाना होगा ......

मैं चाहता हूँ ऐसा मेरा हमराह हो,
वो मेरी पसंद नहीं मेरी चाह हो ,
मैं उदास हो जाऊ तो मेरा अंग हो ,
मैं हताश हो जाऊ हो मेरी आश हो,
मुझे चोट लगे तो उसे एहसास हो,
मेरी हर आती जाती सासों का,
हर पल का उसके पास हिसाब हो,
मेरी आखो से अश्क बहे तो,उसकी आखों में नमी का एहसास हो,
अगर हो तो एस ही हो वरना,
ऐ खुदा मेरी राहों में कोई न हो i

Bade ajeeb hain
ye zindagi ke raaste,
anjane mod par
kuchh log dost ban jate hain,
milne ki khushi de ya na de
bichhadne ka gam zarur de jate hain.

Hum nazron se door hai, Aankho se nahi,
Khawbon se door hai, Khayalon se nahi,
Hum dil se door hai, Dharkan se nahi,
Hum aapse door hai,
Aap ki yaado se nahi.

Reh na paoge
kabhi bhulakar dekho,
yakin na aye to
azmaa kar to kar dekho,
har jagah mehesus hogi kami,
apni mehfilo ko jitna bhi sajakar to dekho........

Khushbu ki tarah tumhare paas bikhar jayenge,

Sukun ban ke dil mein utar jayenge,

Zara mehsus karne ki koshish to kijiye,

Dur hue bhi paas nazar aayenge...........

Kal Raat Meri Aankh Se Ek Aansu Nikal Aaya,
Maine Wajah Pucha To Usne Has Ke Ye Bataya
Koi Tere Aankho Me Itna Hai Samaya,
Ki Main Chah Kar Bhi Apni Jagah Nahi Bana Paya

bhikre risto ko koi rup de do.....
khilte phoolo ko thodi dhoop de do..............
aapki yaad aayi to scrap kiya hamne .......................
aap bhi hamari yaad aane ka koi sabut de do.............???

Tumhe dil main basaye rakhta hoon
Aur duniya ko bhoolaye rakhta hoon
Tumhe meri nazar na lag jaye
Iss liye nazarein jukaye rakhta hoon

Dosti se badi koi Jagir nahi hoti,
isse acchi koi tasvir nahi hoti.
Ek najuk pyar ka dhaga hai,
fir bhi isse pakki koi janjeer nahi hoti.

Khushi se dil ko aabad karna...

Aur gham ko dil se azad karna,

Hamari bus itni gujarish hai ke hame bhi

Din me ek baar YAAD karna...

Specal for Kishan and Narendar

jaroor jaroor yaad karna

In each single day we smile and laugh so many times

In each single day we smile and laugh so many times..We never thank
God after every smile but we do blame him 4 every tear we
cry.Think..!!! Good morning

Home remedies for Acidity

Acidity:-

Acidity is very common for Spicy food lovers. The home remedies for the same is given below:-

1)Take a tiny piece of Jaggery (Gur) every hour and just keep it in the mouth, slowly suck (do not chew or swallow it) it till it acidity subsides.
2)Drink Coconut water 3-4 times a day when you feel like thirsty.
3) If you having a spicy meal, have a plate full of watermelon (tarbooz) and cucumber( kheera) with your food.
4)Harad juice , 1-2 teaspoon daily after meals is very effective in controlling acidity.The juice can be mixed with equal amount of Amla juice for better results in high acidity.
5)Chewing a piece of Harad is an age old remedy.

CAUSES, TREATMENTS, AND REMEDIES FOR PAIN

Pain, it has been said, is one of nature’s first signs of illness. Most will
agree that pain stands preeminent among all unpleasant sensory experiences
by which people perceive disease within themselves. There are very few
illnesses which do not have painful phases. In many conditions, pain is
characteristic of the illness, without which the diagnosis must remain in doubt.
In order to understand the subject of pain, every individual should
understand normal anatomy. Pain is perceived as an unpleasant sensation,
because of the stimulation of certain nerves in the skin or internal organs.
These electrical messages are carried through our nerves to the spinal cord,
then up specific pathways to the brain. An unpleasant sensation is first
perceived in a portion of the brain called the thalamus. A rendezvous with
nerve connections to the highest nerve centers, finally sends a message on to
the cortex, our outer covering of the brain. There it is interpreted as to
location, type, intensity, and integrated with past experiences and avoidance
mechanisms that will protect your body from damage.
Pain may be perceived from any of your nerves. Cold, heat, pin prick,
pressure, muscle spasm, distention of hollow organs, lack of oxygen to
certain areas, and other stimuli may be perceived as pain. Some types of pain,
such as phantom pain, occur after an amputation, following less known
pathways, but presumably they result from irritation of nerve endings. Direct
pressure on a nerve, as in degenerative disc disease of the spinal column or
other conditions where peripheral nerves are compressed can also be painful.
Infections of the nerves, such as that produced by the shingles virus may
produce severe unrelenting pain. So, there are many mechanisms, many
syndromes, and a most careful study is necessary to understand the causes of
the pain response.
Several types of pain can be confused. The stimuli that arouses pain
varies from organ to tissue. For example, the intestinal tract is not responsive
at all to pin prick, burning, cutting or pressure. But it responds with exquisite
pain to the distention produced by stretching, as in an obstruction or the mere
presence of excessive gas. In contrast, the skin is exquisitely sensitive to pin
prick, burning, freezing, and cutting. Each of these sensations is carried
through separate nerve receptors. The nerve impulse is mediated by specific
chemical agents. Such substances as acetylcholine, serotonin, histamine, and
bradykinin are released by tissue injury, and have been found to elicit pain
when applied to the base of a blister.
It is felt that the threshold for perception of pain is approximately the
same in all persons. This threshold is lowered by inflammation, in alcoholics,
and is influenced by certain other analgesic drugs as well as strong emotions,
such as fear or rage. Greatly varying, however, is the degree of emotional
reaction, and the verbalization (or complaint) in response to pain. The personality
and character of the individual influences this reaction greatly.
Superficial Pain
The largest pain fibers are used in transmitting a pricking type of pain.
Sharp sensations are conducted much more rapidly than a sense of burning.
Most normal individuals can localize instantly such pains with precision. This
surface sensitivity to the place where a stimulus is applied helps us distinguish
superficial pain from deeper types.
Visceral Pain
Deep pain, including that of the internal organs and skeletal structures,
has basically the quality of severe aching. However, intense, visceral pain may
also be sharp or knife-like. Occasionally there is a burning type of deep pain,
as in the case of heartburn from esophageal irritation, and rarely, in the angina
pectoris of heart disease. These pains are felt beneath the body surface.
Localization is poor and the margins of pain are not well outlined, presumably
because of the scarcity of nerve endings in these organs.
Deep Musculoskeletal Pain
The same common nerve system transmits the impulse of both deep
skeletal pain and visceral pain. Hence, their characteristics as to type, localization,
and referral are similar. These pains are usually corresponding to the
nerve roots coming from the spinal cord. A knowledge of nerve anatomy
helps to localize these pains as to origin, although the exact origin is often
obscure.
Referred Pain
Deep pains within the body organs tend always to be referred to the
surface structures within the similar and corresponding spinal segment. In the
case of pain from the heart muscle, these nerve impulses refer such pain
primarily to the chest wall overlying the heart. Sometimes this extends up to
the shoulder and the neck, most commonly on the left side. Pain from the
rectum, prostate or female organs is usually referred into the low back.
Sometime the back of the neck is involved in the referral from pain in the
sinus region. Since a similar nerve innervates the shoulder and the diaphragm,
irritation under the diaphragm as in a liver or gallbladder condition, or upper
abdominal abscesses can be felt near the shoulder blade.
Radicular Pain
This type of pain usually refers to the shooting extension of pain from the
neck or low back. A disc that is pinching part of a root of the sciatic nerve
usually sends a shock-like sensation down the nerve along the side or the back
of the leg. This may coexist with numbness in the involved extremity, and, at
times, weakness or lack of reflexes can also be seen. Similar types of radicular
pain are present in the upper extremities from disease in the spine at the neck.
Psychological Aspects of Pain
The emotional state can influence greatly the perception of pain and its
effect upon the body in general. Ambrose Pare, a French Huguenot barber
and surgeon, remarked, “There is nothing that abateth so much the strength,
as pain.” Continuous pain can be observed to have an adverse effect on the
entire nervous system. There is increased irritability, fatigue, troubled sleep,
poor appetite, and loss of emotional stability.
Courageous men are sometimes reduced to a whimpering, pitiable state in
their reaction to severe pain. They become irrational about illness and may
make unreasonable demands on their family. This condition is sometimes
called “pain shock,” and, when established, requires delicate, but firm
management. Depression is common, especially in chronic pain syndromes. At
times unfortunately, the demands for and dependency on narcotic drugs often
complicate the picture.
SPECIAL TYPES OF PAIN
Headache
The term headache encompasses all aches and pains associated in the
head. Along with fatigue, hunger, and thirst, headache represents man’s most
frequent discomfort. It must always be kept in mind that headache is a
symptom, not a disease, and its cause should always be ascertained. Some
types of headaches are quite easy to diagnose. Infection or blockage of
sinuses is usually accompanied by pain over the sinus area and in the
forehead. It is often associated with tenderness of the skin in the same area.
Sometimes the head seems to throb. Often headaches tend to return at the
same hour of the day.
Headache originating in the eye is usually located near the eye or in the
forehead. It is of steady, aching type and tends to follow prolonged use of the
eyes in close work. Muscle imbalance is often involved. A careful examination
of the eyes by your doctor is recommended.
Headaches accompanying diseases of the ligaments, muscles, and joints in
the upper spine are usually referred to the back of the head and nap of the
neck. Later in life, these pains are seen frequently in arthritis and also tend to
occur after whiplash injuries. Massage very deeply in the area and you may
disclose the presence of tender nodules near the insertion of the neck muscles.
Moist heat, as well as skillfully performed massage is particularly helpful in
relieving this type of pain.
The headache of irritation in the meninges or coverings of the brain, is
usually of an acute onset and becomes severe, deep seated, and constant.
Usually this occurs in conjunction with fever. Whenever the neck becomes
stiff, immediate consultation with a physician is recommended. Both
meningeal infections or brain hemorrhages can cause this type of pain.
Lumbar puncture in about 20% of normal patients may produce a transient
headache. Usually this is relieved in the lying position and subsides after a few
days.
Migraine
The term migraine refers to periodic, throbbing headaches on one side of
the head, which usually begins in childhood or adolescence, and occur with
diminishing frequency during advancing years. Sometimes, along with the
headache, nausea and vomiting may actually disable the affected individual for
several hours each time the migraine occurs. Some variations are seen. Many
are forced to lie down and to shun light and noise for what they call a “sick
headache.” Other milder forms do not require withdrawal from accustomed
activities. Between attacks the migraine sufferer is essentially normal. In fact,
the headache seems to be brought on during the “let down” period after many
days of hard work or stress. Spasm in the blood vessels has been implicated
and many powerful hormones are often released that perpetuate discomfort
for several hours.
Tension Headache
This type of headache usually occurs over both sides of the head and often
settles at the base of the neck. A fullness, tightness, or pressure is often
described. Sometimes these headaches show the peculiarity of being
continuous day and night for long periods of time. Sustained muscle tension,
as well as vascular changes may be involved. Sometimes a similar headache
may follow injury (auto accidents, head trauma) and gradually resolves over
many months.
Simple remedies may be used with success in the treatment of headache.
A person should lie down in a quiet area, apply a cold compress to the head,
and seek to put the mind at rest. Often a drink of water or mild nerve-calming
tea such as catnip or chamomile tea can relax the person until the headache
passes. More severe types of headaches can be treated with the hot foot bath.
This is described in the section on hydrotherapy. Adding mustard to the foot
bath may also bring relief through acting as a counterirritant as well as pulling
blood to the lower extremities (called derivation) to relieve congestion in the
head. Extra hours for sleep, daily nature walks, or a change of pace may be
needed. General hygienic recommendations for a more healthful diet,
systematic exercise, and improved stress control are valuable preventives.
Chest Pain
There is very little parallel between the severity of chest pain and the
seriousness of its cause. A frequent problem exists in distinguishing trivial
disorders from coronary artery disease or other serious health hazards. It is
important to avoid the long tradition now shown to be myth, that pain
beneath the left breast or radiating into the left arm is always of cardiac origin.
Such pain is often observed in patients who are tense, easily fatigued, or
anxious.
Oxygen deficiency of the heart muscle can produce pain. This is the
syndrome medically termed angina pectoris. When the oxygen supply is
deficient in relation to the need, pain will develop in the heart muscle. This
may be aggravated by exercise, or occur during a stressful situation, or after a
heavy meal. Atherosclerosis (narrowing) of the coronary arteries is the most
common cause. Spasms of the small cardiac vessels may also trigger this pain
(angina), which usually subsides with a short rest. Further approaches to
treatment are described in Chapter Four.
Pain in the esophagus usually results from acid irritation of the lining
(mucous membrane) of the esophagus. Spasm of the swallowing muscles or
the presence of obstruction can also produce this deep chest pain.
Accompanying symptoms of difficult swallowing, regurgitation, and weight
loss direct attention to the esophagus.
Pain in the pleura or the lining of the lung is very common. It results from
stretching of the inflamed membrane and occurs in viral, as well as bacterial,
pneumonia. Sometimes air in the chest cavity (pneumothorax) and tumors can
mimic this type of pain. Inflammation of the outer covering of the heart
(pericarditis) can also produce it. It is usually aggravated by coughing or
deep breathing. Sometimes swallowing or a change in bodily position
produces the same type of pain, Applications of moist heat and rest are
important in the relief of these deeper pains.
Tension is also a common cause of chest wall pain. Usually the discomfort
is experienced as a sense of tightness, sometimes called aching. It may occur
on various occasions and in different areas of the chest, and is usually
associated with fatigue or emotional strain. It is important to distinguish these
and the above categories of chest pain from various abdominal problems,
some of which are described below.
Abdominal Pain
The correct interpretation of acute abdominal pain is one of the most
challenging demands made of any physician. Sometimes proper therapy
requires urgent action. A great deal of experience and judgment is needed to
elucidate the cause.
A number of mechanisms can produce abdominal pain. Inflammation of
the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) can produce pain of steady, aching
character. This pain is usually located directly over the inflamed area and the
area will also be quite tender. Release of a small amount of stomach acid will
cause much more pain than even contaminated intestinal contents will when
the appendix ruptures.
Another type of pain occurs in the distention or obstruction of hollow
organs. This is usually intermittent or cramping in nature. Colic in the
abdomen can be produced from obstruction of bile duct, the gallbladder, the
ureters, or the intestines. Since all of these may cause vomiting, the location
of the pain and other related symptoms must be considered in arriving at a
rapid diagnosis. Finally, it is important to consider the blood vessels in the
abdomen as causes of potential pain. An out pouching of the aorta
(aneurysm) may produce pain, developing slowly, increasing gradually, or in a
sudden rupture, may become quite catastrophic. Abdominal angina occurs
when the vascular supply to the intestines becomes clogged with cholesterol
deposits and this pain, similar to the angina pectoris of the heart, occurs
following a heavy meal.
Referred pain from the chest, the spine, or the pelvic organs, may also
make diagnosis difficult. Compression or irritation of nerve roots in the spine
is usually intensified by coughing, sneezing, or straining. Pressure on the
genital organs will usually be very painful and show the origin immediately of
this referred pain. Respiratory origin is usually indicated by obvious
interference with breathing.
It is important to become acquainted with the clinical pictures of these
various abdominal problems. Knowledge of anatomy of abdominal organs, as
well as their function is essential in understanding abdominal pain. Some types
can be treated safely at home. In these cases, moist heat and temporary
abstinence from food is often helpful. There are conditions requiring surgical
intervention. Basically keeping in mind these possibilities will help an
individual to seek a physician promptly at the appropriate time while avoiding
unnecessary dependence on drugs or expensive diagnostic testing in the more
self-limited and trivial conditions.
Back Pain
Pain in the lower back, as well as the neck is very common in America.
Many related, but distinct conditions can produce discomfort here. Disease of
the spine, although less common than other problems, is often related to
injury. An auto accident or sudden fall, causing acute flexion of the back, may
compress and fracture one of the vertebral bodies. It may be an early sign of
osteoporosis, thinning of the bones due to calcium deficiency. X-ray is often
necessary to diagnose this condition accurately. Immobilization on a straight
board, with the avoidance of any flexion, standing, or walking is extremely
important First Aid in dealing with these acute injuries. Braces, which keep
the back in extension, are often worn for several months in the treatment of a
fractured spine.
Local pain in the low back can be caused by any process, which irritates
nerve endings. Straining of the muscles, protrusion of a disc, rupture of a
ligament, and many less common problems can injure the tissues and
aggravate this pain. Tenderness is usually found upon pressure in the region
involved. Associated muscle spasm may produce pain around the involved
area. At times, the pain may be referred or projected into regions lying in the
area of the associated nerve roots. For example, pain produced by diseases in
the upper part of the lumbar spine is usually referred to the front of the thighs
and legs. That from the lower part of the lumbar spine, is referred to the
buttocks, posterior thighs, and calves. Radicular or root pain has some
similar characteristics, but usually is much more intense and is often
aggravated by a cough, sneeze, or strain. Any motion, which stretches the
nerve, such as straight leg raising, may have a similar effect.
Proper examination of the back is an art requiring considerable knowledge
of muscle, nerve and skeletal anatomy. Often tenderness over the lumbosacral
junction, the sacroiliac joint, the costovertebral angle over the kidneys, or a
specific vertebra can help the examiner in accurate diagnosis. The usual
testing of the blood, urine, and x-rays of the back are often adjuncts in
understanding the cause. Appropriate exercises may then be used, together
with rest or the use of moist heat in bringing relief to all but the most
stubborn condition. Special problems may be treated effectively in a lifestyle
center.
Musculoskeletal Pain
Pain involving the ligaments and muscles is often seen in athletic injuries.
When the ligament is torn, the injury is called a sprain. This often occurs in
the ankle, the knee, the low back, or shoulder. Muscles that are bruised often
become painful and when the injury is considerable, that is called a strain.
These small ligaments and muscle fibers may actually be torn, but heal
without any residual weakness, after a short period of rest.
Inflammation of the bursa (bursitis) may occur as the result of trauma,
arthritis, infection or other disorders. Common locations include the shoulder,
hip, knee, elbow and heel. Severe local pain and tenderness is often present.
Sometimes calcium deposits are seen on x-ray. Immediate application of cold
in the form of snow or an ice bag is one of the most helpful remedies,
followed by mild exercise and gentle hot and cold compresses, after the acute
inflammation subsides.
The tendon sheath of the hand or wrist may become inflamed, Some of
these are due to constriction of tendons or nerves, and may require surgery.
In the wrist this is called carpal tunnel syndrome. Others are seen in
conjunction with rheumatoid arthritis, discussed in chapter five.
A number of metabolic problems can produce skeletal pain, muscle
cramps, or deep visceral pain. The sudden restriction of oxygen supply,
disorders of the adrenal glands, and the so-called autoimmune diseases, may
produce severe weakness or muscle pain.
Three forms of vascular obstruction particularly deserve mention.
Arteriosclerosis of the large and medium sized arteries is the most common
vascular disease of man. This often leads to pain in the muscles, particularly in
the legs induced by exercise (intermittent claudication). Diabetic patients are
particularly susceptible. Often the pulses in the lower extremities are reduced.
Changes occur in the skin with hair loss, deterioration of the nails, and even
gangrene. Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a disease of
young and middle-aged male cigarette smokers. This hypersensitivity to
tobacco produces spasm in the small vessels of the hands and feet. Sometimes
a smoker is so addicted to nicotine, that he continues to pursue the habit, in
spite of progressive gangrene and amputation of fingers, feet, legs, and even
hands. I have often seen these unnecessarily handicapped patients suffering
the terrible sequels of nicotine addiction.
Raynaud’s disease is often caused by cold. Women are most commonly
afflicted. With exposure to cold, their fingers become white, then blue, and
finally red. Pain and tingling are common during this crisis, due to the lack of
blood supply. Exercising by whirling the arm in a windmill motion can help to
bring blood to the involved areas. Another occupational complication of a
similar nature may produce ulceration in fingertips or toes. These are more
commonly seen in smokers and those with auto-immune disorders.
Obstruction of the lymphatic return may produce a type of edema,
associated with pain. Also, thrombosis of the veins is usually painful,
involving the overlying skin with redness and swelling. When larger veins are
involved, the muscle and entire extremity is very painful.
Most of these pain syndromes can be approached effectively by the
intelligent home health observer. With a knowledge of anatomy and
physiology, and a few simple remedies, they can bring relief to many cases. It
is important first to ascertain the cause of these pain responses. Wrong habits
may need to be corrected. Then nature is assisted in her efforts to restore
right conditions within the nerves, muscles, and other involved organs. The
relief of pain will always evoke profound gratitude from chronic sufferers. Its
study can challenge the layman or specialist for at least a lifetime.

Spicy and crispy Roti

Spicy Roti
1 1/2 cups wheat flour
1/2 cups gram flour
1 1/2 tsp chilli powder
1 tbsp oil
salt to taste
44
1/2 turmeric powder
2-3 pinches asafaetida
1/2 tsp each cummin / oregano seeds
finely chopped coriander
1 tbsp water
METHOD
Knead a slightly stiff dough, adding all above ingredients, cover with
wet cloth. Break off bits and make small potato
sized balls. Roll to 3-4
mm thickness. Roast on griddle (tawa) as for phulka. Or after brown
spots appear place direct on gas flame and puff,
with help of tongs.
Phulka also may be done similarly if puffing with cloth, feels
difficult. Apply ghee or butter and serve hot with
sweetened mango preserve
(chunda) or curds or jam

Spicy and crispy Roti

Spicy Roti
1 1/2 cups wheat flour
1/2 cups gram flour
1 1/2 tsp chilli powder
1 tbsp oil
salt to taste
44
1/2 turmeric powder
2-3 pinches asafaetida
1/2 tsp each cummin / oregano seeds
finely chopped coriander
1 tbsp water
METHOD
Knead a slightly stiff dough, adding all above ingredients, cover with
wet cloth. Break off bits and make small potato
sized balls. Roll to 3-4
mm thickness. Roast on griddle (tawa) as for phulka. Or after brown
spots appear place direct on gas flame and puff,
with help of tongs.
Phulka also may be done similarly if puffing with cloth, feels
difficult. Apply ghee or butter and serve hot with
sweetened mango preserve
(chunda) or curds or jam

Spicy sabudana khichdi recipe

Spicy Garbanzo Bean Curry!

What’s your ideal breakfast?

What’s your ideal breakfast?

Will it be parathas, muesli or eggs for breakfast? Indrani Rajkhowa Banerjee explores options for the most balanced meal to start your day

TIMES NEWS NETWORK
CRAVING parathas for breakfast but the calorie content scares you off ? Or is rolling dough too cumbersome? For a generation on the go, breakfast, considered the most important meal of the day, has been lost in a flurry of “expert tips” doled out by health magazines and videos. It has no fixed timings and no fixed palate. If it’s muesli one day, it’s poori-sabzi the next. With so many do’s and don’ts, where do you look for advice? Although the preferred palate for breakfast remains Indian, inertia and health fads let convenience take precedence over health benefits.
We know the awful things a skipped breakfast can do to our body, but the question is of rustling up the ideal morning meal. One quick tip, say nutritionists, is to “strive for five”. Include at least five grams of fibre and five grams of protein in every breakfast. Here, your options are many. The markets are flooded with a variety of canned and packaged foods — from readymade poha to frozen hams and sausages. There’s nothing that you can’t have! However, some wise judgment on your part will help.
Most fitness experts and dieticians vouch for the goodness of a freshlychopped and cooked
morning meal over packaged food. Says Honey Khanna, nutritionist, Max Healthcare, “Packaged cereals have sugar granules, which can harm diabetics or weight watchers.”
Though Indians generally prefer to drink tea or coffee with the first meal of the day, a glass of canned juice is fast replacing traditional drinks. “Packaged juice,” according to Dr Sunita Roy Chowdhury, chief nutritionist, Rockland Hospital, “has empty calories; it consists of just sugar and water.”
Go for freshly squeezed juice. Even better is a bowl of freshly cut fruits, because fruits lose their fibre content when turned into juice. If you are a hardcore muesli and oats person, take a cue from actor and fitness expert Rahul Dev. His mom believes in serving homemade porridges which she roasts and grinds at home. When it comes to the traditional Indian breakfast, the general consensus is that it’s time-consuming, oily and fatty, but tasty! Restaurateur Shiv Karan Singh has an interesting observation, “Indians love to fill themselves. And not many can live without a hearty traditional breakfast, Indian or English. The newfound craving for cornflakes and sprouts is a fad created by the with-it generation.” Smart marketing by FMG companies can be one reason why interest in traditional Indian breakfast meals has dwindled, but when it comes to the ideal breakfast, south Indian snacks of idli-dosa-upma win hands down in the fat battle. High in protein and carbohydrates, while a morning breakfast of idli-sambar-chiku and coffee has 9.3 per cent protein content in it, the dosa-chutney-papaya-tea has 6.7 per cent proteins. Other suggestions are a glass of lassi with a bowl of sprouts or dalia-lassi-egg white combo. A healthy breakfast or nashta has been historically considered important to people in India. For ages,
north Indians have had roti and
parathas for their nashta, accompanied by pickles and curd, whereas
people of western India eat dhokla
and milk. South Indians mostly have idlis and dosas, generally accompanied by various chutneys served on a banana leaf. In the eastern parts, flat rice mixed with curd or milk and a dash of jaggery have been a staple diet.
T h e r e are also m a ny my t h s around breakfast. A common belief is that carbohydrates and proteins should not be mixed. But experts say a balanced meal must have a combination of both. Rahul Dev busts another myth, “Carbohydrates are not evil. They are harmful if taken at night, when the body rests, but as the only food for the brain, carbohydrates are a must for breakfast." Balancing carbohydrates (preferably from whole grains like chapatti, bread, oats, dalia, sooji, poha; fruit and vegetables) with some protein (milk, curd and sprouts) and a little fat will do a better job of staving off hunger until lunch.
Another mistake most Indians make, observes food expert Rupali Dean, is to have cereal with bread. “They do not realise that cereal is bread too! This increases the load of carbohydrates in the body. Also, two slices of bread do not make for a hearty English breakfast. It’s wholesome only if you have two slices of brown bread, egg poaches, sausages and milk,” she says. Beware of low-quality ‘brown’ bread, which actually is bread coated in caramalised sugar.
Try variations. Make stuffed chapatti instead of parathas. Use five grams of white butter or fresh cream instead of oil. Have it with dahi (protein) to balance the carbohydrate. For options, try chillas made with besan, sooji and lots of vegetables. Idli-sambar, poha, vegetable dalia and porridges are considered complete meals in themselves.
The idea is to mix both traditional and modern food for a calorie and time- conscious generation. Chef Rajesh Variyath of Radisson MBD, Noida. recommends recipes that are adaptable. “Look beyond idli-poha-dalia. Try pongal (rice boiled with vegetables) from Tamil Nadu, fluffy appams (rice pancakes) with potato stew from Karnataka and pesarattu (moong dal dosas) from Andhra Pradesh.”
It’s time to make room for experiments in the kitchen!
Food for thought
Breakfast accounts for about two-thirds of the day’s total calorie intake.
A glass of milk is not sufficient breakfast.
Papaya should never be had on an empty stomach. It is a laxative.
Drink water before breakfast, not along with it.
Fruits should be packed in between breakfast and lunch.
Mango and banana are the only fruits that can be had with meals, because they are easy to digest.

What’s your ideal breakfast?

What’s your ideal breakfast?

Will it be parathas, muesli or eggs for breakfast? Indrani Rajkhowa Banerjee explores options for the most balanced meal to start your day

TIMES NEWS NETWORK
CRAVING parathas for breakfast but the calorie content scares you off ? Or is rolling dough too cumbersome? For a generation on the go, breakfast, considered the most important meal of the day, has been lost in a flurry of “expert tips” doled out by health magazines and videos. It has no fixed timings and no fixed palate. If it’s muesli one day, it’s poori-sabzi the next. With so many do’s and don’ts, where do you look for advice? Although the preferred palate for breakfast remains Indian, inertia and health fads let convenience take precedence over health benefits.
We know the awful things a skipped breakfast can do to our body, but the question is of rustling up the ideal morning meal. One quick tip, say nutritionists, is to “strive for five”. Include at least five grams of fibre and five grams of protein in every breakfast. Here, your options are many. The markets are flooded with a variety of canned and packaged foods — from readymade poha to frozen hams and sausages. There’s nothing that you can’t have! However, some wise judgment on your part will help.
Most fitness experts and dieticians vouch for the goodness of a freshlychopped and cooked
morning meal over packaged food. Says Honey Khanna, nutritionist, Max Healthcare, “Packaged cereals have sugar granules, which can harm diabetics or weight watchers.”
Though Indians generally prefer to drink tea or coffee with the first meal of the day, a glass of canned juice is fast replacing traditional drinks. “Packaged juice,” according to Dr Sunita Roy Chowdhury, chief nutritionist, Rockland Hospital, “has empty calories; it consists of just sugar and water.”
Go for freshly squeezed juice. Even better is a bowl of freshly cut fruits, because fruits lose their fibre content when turned into juice. If you are a hardcore muesli and oats person, take a cue from actor and fitness expert Rahul Dev. His mom believes in serving homemade porridges which she roasts and grinds at home. When it comes to the traditional Indian breakfast, the general consensus is that it’s time-consuming, oily and fatty, but tasty! Restaurateur Shiv Karan Singh has an interesting observation, “Indians love to fill themselves. And not many can live without a hearty traditional breakfast, Indian or English. The newfound craving for cornflakes and sprouts is a fad created by the with-it generation.” Smart marketing by FMG companies can be one reason why interest in traditional Indian breakfast meals has dwindled, but when it comes to the ideal breakfast, south Indian snacks of idli-dosa-upma win hands down in the fat battle. High in protein and carbohydrates, while a morning breakfast of idli-sambar-chiku and coffee has 9.3 per cent protein content in it, the dosa-chutney-papaya-tea has 6.7 per cent proteins. Other suggestions are a glass of lassi with a bowl of sprouts or dalia-lassi-egg white combo. A healthy breakfast or nashta has been historically considered important to people in India. For ages,
north Indians have had roti and
parathas for their nashta, accompanied by pickles and curd, whereas
people of western India eat dhokla
and milk. South Indians mostly have idlis and dosas, generally accompanied by various chutneys served on a banana leaf. In the eastern parts, flat rice mixed with curd or milk and a dash of jaggery have been a staple diet.
T h e r e are also m a ny my t h s around breakfast. A common belief is that carbohydrates and proteins should not be mixed. But experts say a balanced meal must have a combination of both. Rahul Dev busts another myth, “Carbohydrates are not evil. They are harmful if taken at night, when the body rests, but as the only food for the brain, carbohydrates are a must for breakfast." Balancing carbohydrates (preferably from whole grains like chapatti, bread, oats, dalia, sooji, poha; fruit and vegetables) with some protein (milk, curd and sprouts) and a little fat will do a better job of staving off hunger until lunch.
Another mistake most Indians make, observes food expert Rupali Dean, is to have cereal with bread. “They do not realise that cereal is bread too! This increases the load of carbohydrates in the body. Also, two slices of bread do not make for a hearty English breakfast. It’s wholesome only if you have two slices of brown bread, egg poaches, sausages and milk,” she says. Beware of low-quality ‘brown’ bread, which actually is bread coated in caramalised sugar.
Try variations. Make stuffed chapatti instead of parathas. Use five grams of white butter or fresh cream instead of oil. Have it with dahi (protein) to balance the carbohydrate. For options, try chillas made with besan, sooji and lots of vegetables. Idli-sambar, poha, vegetable dalia and porridges are considered complete meals in themselves.
The idea is to mix both traditional and modern food for a calorie and time- conscious generation. Chef Rajesh Variyath of Radisson MBD, Noida. recommends recipes that are adaptable. “Look beyond idli-poha-dalia. Try pongal (rice boiled with vegetables) from Tamil Nadu, fluffy appams (rice pancakes) with potato stew from Karnataka and pesarattu (moong dal dosas) from Andhra Pradesh.”
It’s time to make room for experiments in the kitchen!
Food for thought
Breakfast accounts for about two-thirds of the day’s total calorie intake.
A glass of milk is not sufficient breakfast.
Papaya should never be had on an empty stomach. It is a laxative.
Drink water before breakfast, not along with it.
Fruits should be packed in between breakfast and lunch.
Mango and banana are the only fruits that can be had with meals, because they are easy to digest.