Grow Vegetables in Your House

If you are interested in growing vegetables in your backyard or in the house without ruining your green grass then you should follow the following tips as it will save you time, money and you can do it in your home without having a gardener looking after them. It’s easy, simple and works every time.

1- Grow Fruits and Vegetables in Containers

Containers are a great option for those with limited or no ground space, and for newbie gardeners who don’t want to commit to digging just yet. They’re also a beautiful addition to a larger garden or in a small home. Growing in containers can be easy if you set it up the right way.

2- Finding the Right Soil

Just like with any type of gardening, successful container gardening starts with the soil. Healthy soil leads to healthy plants. Find the right soil for your container as regular gardening soil may not have a better yielding result at the end.

3- Make Your Own Potting Mix

You can also make your own custom mix by combining peat moss (best bought in bales at your local garden center) with compost (your own or bagged) at about a 2:1 ratio. You can also throw in a little perlite, a common ingredient in bagged mixes, to make your custom mix lighter and more apt to retain water.

4- Choose the Right Container

There are about as many container types as there are plants suitable for containers, including upcycled ones, so your imagination is the limit. But it’s important to think about three things: size, materials and drainage.

5- What Edibles Can You Grow in a Pot?

Almost any fruit or vegetable plant can be grown in a container or pot, provided your container is large enough, but it helps to choose varieties specifically bred for small spaces. You can easily grow herbs, peppers, tomatoes, onions, eggplant, summer squash, and greens, as well as broccoli, cabbage and other cool-season crops in spring and fall. You can choose form variety of options

6- Go Deep With Root Crops

Root vegetables such as radishes, carrots and beets also grow well in pots that are deep enough, at least 12 inches deep so it will be better to choose large and deep containers for them.

7- Try Fruit Trees and Shrubs

Fruit trees, especially dwarf varieties, can also be grown in large pots and make beautiful statement pieces for a patio garden. Depending on the type and your climate, you need to be prepared to bring these pots inside during the colder months, so plant caddies or pots with casters are an especially good idea for these plants. You can also try dwarf varieties of blueberries and raspberries in containers.

8- Design Thyme

Planting taller vegetables, like tomatoes, with lower-growing herbs and flowers will encourage pollinators and create a balanced container garden. Tall, spiky plant in back, a mounding plant in the center, and a trailing plant in the front — works great for edible containers as well.

9- Water Often

Plants grown in containers need to be watered more often than in-ground gardens, because containers have less soil and dry out more quickly. How often will depend on your climate, what you’re growing and the type of container material you choose (clay more often, plastic less often, as described previously). Distribute water well and gently using a watering can or a watering wand on the end of your garden hose.

10- Don’t Forget Mulch

However you water, be sure to add mulch to retain soil moisture in your container gardens just as you do in in-ground beds. Hardwood bark mulch isn’t great for vegetable gardens, including containers, because it takes too long to decompose and ties up nutrients in your soil. Instead, choose cedar or cypress (from sustainably grown sources), which have the added benefit of deterring some insects. Oat or wheat straw can be great, just be sure you get seed-free straw, otherwise you’ll be pulling grass out of your containers for months.

11- Fertilize

Because pots need frequent watering, fertilizers can get diluted more quickly than with in-ground gardens. Use a liquid fertilizer that’s meant to be mixed in water, such as organic fish fertilizer. You can also mix in a time-released fertilizer or an organic fertilizer that includes microorganisms to encourage soil health.

6 Foods for Liver’s Good Health

Liver diseases are common among people who likes to eat, exceeding moderation. Liver is an important organ and damage to this powerhouse can be fatal. It performs a variety of essential tasks, ranging from producing proteins, cholesterol and bile to storing vitamins, minerals and even carbohydrates.
It is important to keep your liver healthy by eating good but in moderation. Following are 10 best options to keep your liver healthy according to research.

1. Coffee

Drinking coffee lowers the risk of cirrhosis, or permanent liver damage, in people with chronic liver diseases. Coffee may also prevent liver from suffering cancer and it helps with inflammation.
Coffee also decreases inflammation and increases levels of the antioxidant glutathione. Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals, which are produced naturally in the body and can cause damage to cells

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil is widely available but not too many people know its advantages. It is the only oil which is proven beneficial for body.
1 teas spoon of olive oil a day can reduce fat accumulation in the liver, improved insulin sensitivity and improved blood levels of liver enzymes.

3. Fish

Fish with Omega-3 has been recommended for those who have liver problem and it has been found beneficial for liver. In fact, studies have shown that they help prevent fat from building up, keep enzyme levels normal, fight inflammation and improve insulin resistance. Next time you go the market, get yourself Trout or Salmon.

4. Nuts

Nuts are high in useful fats and antioxidant vitamin E. Studies have shown that people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease found eating nuts was associated with improved levels of liver enzymes.

5. Beetroot

Beetroot juice is a source of nitrates and antioxidants called betalains, which may benefit heart health and reduce oxidative damage and inflammation.

6. Tea

Tea is considered as healthier option for many diseases. It is very useful for your liver and its moderate consumption can keep your liver clean and healthy.
Japanese study found that drinking 5–10 cups of green tea per day was associated with improved blood markers of liver health.
Green Tea is high in antioxidants for 12 weeks improved liver enzyme levels and may also reduce oxidative stress and fat deposits in the liver which is useful for patients with fatty liver disease.

Treat Acne with Apple Cider Vinegar

Acne has been a big issue for teenagers and adults. There are many home-made remedies for Acne but using Apple Cider Vinegar, also known as ACV, have been the most effective so far. It may be a stinky process but many have sworn by it. It has not been scientific proven yet but the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar has both antibacterial and keratolytic properties. It reduces inflammation and rejuvenates the skin.

How to Treat Acne with Apple Cider Vinegar:

Add 1 table spoon to 4 parts water (It is the recommended ration). Apply it on your skin or face and let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Rinse your skin and apply moisturiser afterwards. Apply it once a day.

Before you continue using ACV for skin, make sure you dilute it with recommended ratio and apply just a drop to see if it reacts or burns. If you have a sensitive skin you should dilute it more to avoid any burns or reaction.
Recommended ratio works for many but you can change the ratio in solution according to your needs and skin sensitivity. Not all ratios work for everyone so you may want to test ACV to water ratio. And chose what seems to be working.

NOTE:

• Do not use concentrated ACV as it will burn your skin so make sure you add 3 or 4 parts water to it before you apply it on skin.
• It has a bad smell, so apply it at night time (Recommended).
• It may not work for all the Acne but majority has been satisfied by its results.
• Do not rush for results as Acne will not disappear in one night.

Muzaffarabad - Here’s a List of Top Places to Eat in The City

Muzaffarabad is the capital of the Pakistani territory of Azad Kashmir.The city is located in Muzaffarabad District near the confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. Most people turn to this place to beat the heat in summers and to enjoy its breath taking sights. So you’re in Muzaffarabad and can’t figure out where or what to eat? Say no more. We’ve got you covered!

Here is the list of places to eat in when you’re in Muzzaffarbad.

Street Vendors

One of the places you can eat from is the vendors, they cook exquisite meals with the real Kashmiri taste you won’t find in any restaurant. This way, you can get to interact with the locals there whilst enjoying Kashmiri delicacies.

The Locals

The beauty of a place is in its people so another place to eat in the next time you’re in Muzaffarabad is some local’s home. The people there haven an insanely giving nature and if you’re really a tourist, you would definitely want to get a little insight on people’s lives there. Plus, you’ll get to eat authentic Kashmiri food. The people there let you eat from their gardens and won’t charge you for the fresh heaven-sent fruit.

Breakfast from the Little Local Bakeries

There are little bakeries all around in Muzzaffarbad and they serve fresh rusk with tea for breakfast and believe me when I tell you that the rusks come straight from heaven. You do not want to miss that at any cost.

Village View Restaurant

If you’re looking for a proper meal in a restaurant after a hectic day of travelling, Village View Restaurant is the place to go. This restaurant is situated on the Srinagar road near Rawani village at the bank of the river with various activities for children and adults while you wait for the food to arrive, like 7D motion ride, dodging cars, electric train.

Marco Polo Restaurant

This restaurant comes under the boutique hotel chain, Pearl Continental and hence, is the one of the best options you have if you’re looking for a five star restaurant to eat in. This restaurant serves remarkable food. It resides at about 25-minute drive from Muzaffarabad, on the bank of the Neelam River and provides an exquisite environment. The roaring river creates a susurrate the surrounding with such musical notes that are rare to the ears.
This restaurant not only caters to your hunger but will also provide up to the mark services for wedding, anniversary and mehndi. Just imagine getting married in such a picturesque location.

Karma

You’re in Muzzaffarbad and well… you know… we live for a good old slice of pizza and a humongous burger, right? Right! Well, you’re in the right place because Karma’s got your back. (literally too, just saying) This restaurant specializes in American cuisine, seafood and fast food. The food is amazingly well-cooked and will leave you wanting more.
So go. Start planning. Summer’s almost here and don’t forget to meet new people and try new things when you explore the beauty that is Muzaffarabad.

Selling home-cooked meals

There’s a cafe in Islamabad that offers an opportunity for women to earn good money through selling home-cooked meals.
Who does not like a brilliant ambiance and home-cooked food!
A cafe in Islamabad offers ladies the opportunity to promote their home-cooked meals at affordable price to customers. 

Half of the earnings earned goes to the cafe owner the other to the women who cook the meals. “I supply this cafe with tarts and cookies,” said one woman. “Due to this cafe, my reach has extended and operational charges are easily covered.”

Another female described the cafe as a ‘good initiative’ and stated that because of it females can easily work from their homes and could earn with ease. The cafe itself does not prepare meals so that unemployed women are provided the opportunity to earn their living.
“We market the business enterprise that unemployed women make and we sell their food,” stated the cafe owner. The cafe is situated in Blue Area in the heart of the capital.

8 Ways to Get a Flat Belly Without Diet or Exercise

 

1) Perfect Your Posture

"Straighten up," advises The Biggest Loser trainer Kim Lyons, and your figure will look better. "When your posture is good, you're automatically engaging and toning your stomach muscles." If you need to remind yourself to stand tall, she says, a few strategically placed Post-it Notes should do the trick.

2) Drink Up

Keep those fluids coming! "Being dehydrated causes the body to hoard water," says Lyons, which can lead you to carry up to four excess pounds around your midsection. Try for at least six eight-ounce glasses of water or other fluids daily.

 

3) Have a Seat

"Most women don't want to talk about it, but you really have to set aside a specific time each day to use the bathroom," notes Judith Reichman, M.D., a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles. If you don't, it's too easy to give in to feeling rushed, and ignore the urge to go." Once you've trained your brain to dismiss your body's signals, you set the stage for bloat-inducing constipation.

 

4) Eat Mindfully

Rather than scarfing down meals, make a point of chewing each bite at least 10 times before swallowing. "The body has to work overtime to break down food in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to major gas and indigestion," Dr. Reichman says. Plus, when you eat fast, you're more prone to swallowing air, which can ratchet up your risk of developing a potbelly.

 

5) Turn to the "Pros"

"Probiotics are 'good' bacteria that help your digestive system break down food, preventing the gastrointestinal issues that can keep you from having a flat stomach," explains nutritionist Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., author of The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth. To ensure your plumbing is working at optimum capacity, Bowden suggests eating a daily serving of a probiotic-rich food like yogurt, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, or buttermilk, or taking a supplement containing at least 50 milligrams of probiotics. (Look for versions that contain the strains acidophilus and bifidobacterium, and are produced by reputable vitamin companies.)

 

 

6) Walk It Off

Try to squeeze in a 30-minute walk daily, says Lyons. The simple boost in metabolism will help you burn waistline fat more efficiently. And if you want to work out, skip those gadgets that promise "miraculous abs in minutes": A study from Kansas State University found most devices designed to target abs (think infomercials) don't live up to their promises. You'll see better results with traditional exercise.

7) Give Up Gum

Because chewing forces you to swallow more puff-producing air, it can also keep you from squeezing into your skinny jeans, explain researchers at the American College of Gastroenterology. If you need to freshen your breath, you're better off sucking on a mint.

 

8) Relax Already

"When you're frazzled, your body increases its production of steroids and stress hormones, which negatively affect your digestive system, causing major constipation," says Dr. Reichman. And as if that weren't enough to leave you looking pouchy, stress also amps up the production of cortisol, a "fight or flight" hormone that sends excess fat directly to your midsection in its attempt to protect your vital organs. To minimize tension, Dr. Reichman advises, "take 20 minutes a day to do something that truly relaxes you."

 

 

 

 

20 Ways to Lose Weight Forever

20 Ways to Lose Weight Forever

 Shedding pounds takes countless hours of dedication, so if you’ve already gone through the grind to reach your goal weight, do you really want to do it again? We didn’t think so. So, go ahead and pat yourself on the back for all that you’ve accomplished. But while you’re at it, why not start thinking about how you’re going to maintain your new body for the long haul? To help make it possible, we’ve come with 20 easy ways to keep those sneaky pounds away from your frame for good! Pick a few from the list below, stick to ‘em like it's your job, and we can practically guarantee you’ll stay in your skinny jeans for life. 

 

1. Don’t Do Fad Diets

Within three years of dieting, Nearly 65 percent of dieters gain back the weight they lost within three years, say University of Pennsylvania researchers. The reason? They all slimmed down with the help of a diet, which by definition is short term and doesn't produce life long results. To hit your goal weight and stay there, you need to make permanent changes to your lifestyle.

2. Strength Train

While it’s possible to lose weight without doing a single pushup or burpee, in order to keep it off, physical activity is must, says James O. Hill, PhD, co-founder of the National Weight Control Registry. But not all workouts are created equal. Although cardio gets all of the glory, interval and strength training are the real heroes in the world of weight maintenance. These methods of exercise will help you replace flab with hard, sexy muscle which will boost your metabolism and make it easier to keep off those sneaky pounds. For the best results, do strength or interval training twice a week and aim for an hour of physical activity a day—that could mean walking, swimming or running errands. Just get off your tush and move! Why an hour? The majority of successful losers who have maintained their weight loss for an average of 5.5 years report moving for about an hour a day, according to the National Weight Control Registry.

3. Rethink Your Commute

To ensure you fit in those 60 minutes and fit in more daily steps, rethink your commute. On the days that I have to skip the gym, I force myself to walk home from work instead of hopping in a cab or taking the bus. If you drive to work, cycle to the office once a week or park your car further away from the entrance. However you decide to do it, the more steps you take, the better. The majority of people (76%) who have lost weight and kept it off report walking for an hour a day so fit in those steps wherever you can!

 

4. Only Eat When You’re Hungry

 Constantly eating when you don’t need the fuel is a major contributor to weight gain. Before you pop something into your mouth, ask yourself why you’re eating. (We’re lookin’ at you Ms. Office Candy Bowl.) Are you actually hungry or are you just angry, stressed, anxious or board? If it’s any of the latter feelings, healthy snacks like carrot sticks and apples won’t seem appealing. If you’re not hungry enough to eat a plant, vow to not eat anything at all.

5. Weigh Yourself

 Recent Cornell University findings suggest that shying away from the scale can cause those former pounds to sneak back onto your frame—not what you want! According to senior author David Levitsky, people who weigh themselves daily and track the results are more likely to lose weight and keep it off than those who check in less often. The method “forces you to be aware of the connection between your eating and your weight,” Levitsky said in a press statement. “The scale also acts as a priming mechanism, making you conscious of food and enabling you to make choices that are consistent with your weight.”

6. Exercise in the Morning

We already told you that sticking to a fitness routine is an absolute must for weight maintenance but that doesn't make finding the time—or motivation— after a busy work day any easier. The solution to the problem: Wake up an hour and a half early and fit in your workout before heading to the office. If you’re up at 5 a.m. with nothing else to do but break a sweat, odds are pretty low that you’ll skip out on your boot camp or spin class.  

7. —Or At Least Schedule Your Workouts

Can’t bear the thought of rising before the sun? At the beginning of each week, take out a planner and schedule all of your workouts for the day’s ahead. If you just let your week and unfold randomly, odds are far lower you’ll fit in your fitness. Schedule an appointment with a trainer or a friend, book a class

9. Plan Ahead & Use the Freezer

Your workouts aren’t the only things you need to plan ahead to stay fit for life, you’ll also need to map out your meals. “People have a much better chance of having a slim waistline if they plan when they are going to eat and what they are going to eat,” says Mark Langowski, celebrity trainer and author of Eat This, Not That! For Abs. “Before I go to bed, I look at my schedule for the next day and plan out what I am going to eat and where I will eat it. If you let the day begin without planning, it will be 3 p.m. before you know it and you’ll wind up making an unhealthy decision.” Registered dietitian Christine M. Palumbo agrees, but takes a slightly different approach meal prep: “Identity three meals you can prepare with pantry staples and start cooking. Store the meals in your freezer so you always have something healthy on hand when hunger strikes. For example, my go-to meals include risotto with frozen shrimp and asparagus, vegetable barley and a red lentil soup. Your goal should be to replace the meals whenever your stash starts running low”.

10. Expand Your Circle

How much your close friends weigh, plays a major role in how much you’ll weigh, say Harvard School of Public Health researchers. In fact, their findings suggest that a person’s chance of becoming obese increases by 57% if a close friend is obese—and it makes sense: If your buddies all love meeting up for burgers and beers on the reg, it will be really hard to stay on track with your healthy lifestyle. Our advice? From time to time suggest getting into other types of activities like yoga or a healthy cooking class. You could also consider hosting get-togethers at your house so you can control the menu. Another tip: Try to meet new people who enjoy living the healthy lifestyle you now lead. (A gym class or hiking group is a great place to introduce yourself!) This will help add a healthy balance to your life, without kicking your long-time besties to the curb.  

11. Eat Often

Eating frequently might sound counterintuitive if you're trying to keep the pounds off, but munching consistently throughout the day is key to blood sugar and hunger management, explains registered dietitian Isabel Smith. When you eat something every three or four hours, it keeps your metabolism humming and you’ll never get too hungry. This ensures you’ll always be in a position to make smart diet decisions which is key to keeping the weight off long term.

12. Hold The Extras

Despite conventional wisdom, maintaining a major weight loss doesn't mean giving up croissants and cookies for good. It does, however, require cutting calories where you won't miss 'em anyway so indulging from time to time won’t do any damage to your waistline. Swap fries for apple slices at McDonald’s, keep the cheese off your sandwiches and salads and ask for the sauce on the side when you dine out at a restaurant. Believe it or not, these simple tweaks will save you hundreds of calories—without drastically altering the taste of your meals. 

13. Eat Breakfast Daily

Get this: Nearly 80 percent of National Weight Control Registry members—who have lost an average of 66 lbs and kept it off for 5.5 years—regularly eat breakfast. Though researchers haven’t discovered a definite connection between the morning meal and weight loss, one theory is that when you start your day with something healthy and satiating it helps set a healthy tone for the rest of the day. 

14. Keep Triggers Away

Almost everyone has heard the rule that it’s okay to eat anything and everything so long as you do so in moderation—but that may not be the best approach to lifelong weight maintenance, according to 2015 PLOS ONE findings. The study of 6,814 people found that the majority of the time, varied diets lead to weight gain. “Though it can be scary to imagine completely cutting out the foods that you love, eating everything in moderation is actually near impossible—especially when it comes to foods with addictive properties, like sugar. You’ll likely find yourself going back for more and more which can slow your weight loss results,” explains registered dietitian Cassie Bjork. “That’s why it’s actually more beneficial to completely cut out the foods that increase your cravings and keep you wanting more.” For example, if you know that chocolate is your #1 trigger food it’s best to cut it out altogether rather than trying to stick to a small serving.

15. Limit Yourself to Three

Fun fact: National Weight Control Registry members, who have all lost 30 pounds or more and kept it off for at least a year, eat 2.5 meals per week at a restaurant—and only 0.74 meals per week at fast food joints like Burger King and McDonalds. And we have to say, it’s a smart move. Limiting the number of times you dine away from home is an easy way to keep excess calories, salt, sugar and fat off of your plate without a second of thought.

16. Focus on Flavonoids

Sure, all fruits and veggies are healthy and low-cal, but did you know that when it comes to keeping away those waist-expanding pounds, flavonoid-rich foods like bananas, strawberries, grapes, pears, onions, peppers and celery are the best bets? In a 2016 British Medical Journal study of 124,000 middle-aged and older people, those who ate a diet rich in flavonoid-filled foods maintained their weight better than those who didn’t—and it makes a lot of sense. Earlier findings suggested that the naturally occurring plant compounds could ward off inflammation and fat absorption. Not a big fan of the fruits and veggies above? Tea is another option that’s chock full of flavonoids! 

17. Stay Consistent

“Holidays, vacations, crazy work weeks...it doesn’t matter. Every week, people who remain lean, stick to their healthy habits,” Langowski tells us. “My most successful clients are the ones who stay consistent with their workouts throughout the year; they don’t let anything get in the way of their workout! It’s like putting on their pants or brushing their teeth and is something that they wouldn’t think of not doing!” The same mentality should hold true for your diet, too. The majority of people who lose weight and keep it off, report that that their diet is the same on both the weekends and weekdays, according to an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition report. 

18. Limit Screen Time

Curious what else successful losers do? Well, we’ll tell you one thing they don’t do: Netflix and chill. The average American watches 28 hours of TV per week, while those who have shed 30+ pounds and kept it off for at least a year, log fewer than 10 per week in front of the boob tube.

 

19. Follow the Plate Rule

Counting calories may have helped you lose weight initially, but as you might have guessed, it’s not a habit you can maintain for life. Instead, hold onto your flat belly with the help of the plate rule. “I never recommend counting calories to any of my clients,” says Smith. “ Instead, I tell them to fill 50% of their plate at each meal with non-starchy vegetables like kale, broccoli and carrots. This ensures that they’ll take in a fair amount of fiber, which promotes satiety and weight maintenance.” (Unrefined carbohydrates like beans, sweet potatoes and whole grains should make up a fourth of the plate and the last fourth should be reserved for lean proteins.) Research backs Smith’s claim: A Brigham Young University College study found that women who consume more fiber have a significantly lower risk of gaining weight than those who eat less of the nutrient, likely because they consumed fewer overall calories throughout the day.

 

20. Don’t Get Discouraged

Last, and most importantly: don’t get discouraged if the scale swings upwards a bit. Vacations, holidays, and stressful life situations happen, and not to mention, weight fluctuations are totally normal. If you feel your pants getting tighter, take it with a grain of salt but don’t forget about it. Examine what you’re doing differently and commit to getting back on the bandwagon—it’s as simple as that! And always remember, maintenance is a marathon, not a sprint; you’re in this for life!