Last Updated:November 08, 2024, 10:15 IST

While we all know what a good breakfast should include, are you aware of the foods to avoid on an empty stomach?

Breakfast is the fuel your body needs to power through the day. So, what you eat first thing in the morning matters a lot. While we all know what a good breakfast should include, are you aware of the foods to avoid on an empty stomach? Certain foods can wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing discomfort like indigestion, bloating, and acid reflux. The key to a great morning meal is balance – a mix of protein, healthy fats, and fibre to keep you energised and focused.

So, before you dive into your breakfast routine, here’s a list of foods to steer clear of first thing in the morning:

Processed and fried foods

Burgers, chips, and packaged snacks should be avoided on an empty stomach. These foods are high in unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and artificial additives. Consuming them can lead to discomfort, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness.

Coffee

Are you someone who drinks coffee first thing in the morning? If so, this is for you. While coffee may feel energising, it is acidic and contains caffeine, which can trigger the production of stomach acids. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can upset your stomach and increase acid levels, causing irritation and potentially leading to troublesome digestive conditions.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and limes are highly acidic. Consuming them on an empty stomach can increase stomach acid production, which may lead to heartburn, gastritis, acid reflux, and indigestion. Additionally, the high fibre and fructose content in these fruits can slow down your digestive system. If you enjoy citrus fruits, try consuming them with carbohydrates to help soak up the excess acid in your stomach, potentially easing any discomfort.

Carbonated drinks

Another thing to avoid on an empty stomach is carbonated drinks. When you consume fizzy drinks like sodas and sparkling water first thing in the morning, the carbon dioxide gas can expand in your stomach, causing discomfort and burping. Furthermore, the sugar content in sweetened carbonated drinks can cause sugar spikes and rapid increases in your blood sugar levels, potentially leading to an energy crash.

Sugary foods

If you have a sweet tooth and often eat sugary foods like sweets, pastries, and sweetened beverages on an empty stomach, you may experience a rapid spike in insulin and blood sugar levels, which often results in an energy ‘crash’ soon after. Additionally, sugary foods can cause diarrhoea as they draw electrolytes and fluids from the bloodstream into your gut to balance the high concentration of sugar.

Dairy products

It is generally not recommended to consume dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt on an empty stomach. Dairy contains lactose, which can be difficult for some individuals to digest. When dairy products are consumed first thing in the morning, the lactose may not be properly broken down and absorbed, leading to digestive discomfort, including gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. Additionally, dairy products are rich in fat, which can slow down digestion and cause further discomfort.

Spicy foods

You should avoid eating spicy foods on an empty stomach. Spicy dishes can lead to bloating or even gastritis in some individuals. Most spicy foods contain a compound called capsaicin, which binds to receptors in your gastrointestinal tract, causing your body to increase mucus production and speed up digestion. This can trigger excessive digestive activity, resulting in an upset stomach, loose stools, and diarrhoea.

Alcohol

Lastly, consuming alcohol on an empty stomach allows it to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, which can lead to rapid intoxication. This impairs judgment and increases the risk of alcohol-related accidents or injuries.

To ensure a healthy start to your day, aim for a balanced breakfast that includes fat-rich foods like nuts, avocado, ghee, or seeds, as well as protein-rich items. This combination will help provide steady energy and support a balanced metabolism.

Last Updated:November 07, 2024, 17:20 IST

Switching to hummus instead of butter, jam, or mayonnaise on bread may offer numerous benefits.

Bhagyashree, known for her iconic role in Maine Pyar Kiya, is also a passionate advocate for living a healthy lifestyle. She frequently inspires her followers with tips on wellness, fitness and nutritious eating. A self-proclaimed foodie, Bhagyashree loves experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She always looks for ways to make dishes that are both tasty and healthy. In her latest Tuesday Tips with B episode on Instagram, she shared a simple yet delicious hummus recipe that is perfect for anyone looking to add a healthy twist to their meals. This quick and easy dish not only satisfies cravings but also packs in plenty of nutrients which makes it a perfect addition to your diet.

Here’s Bhagayshree’s yummy hummus recipe that you can prepare easily:

• Start by boiling chickpeas and remove their skins.
• Once the chickpeas are ready, add them to a blender with a tablespoon of olive oil and blend until smooth.
• Next, add two spoons of yoghurt to the mixture and blend again for extra creaminess.
• In a separate bowl, mix roasted sesame seeds, a couple of garlic cloves and a pinch of salt. Blend them together to create your homemade tahini.
• Now, mix the tahini into the chickpea blend and transfer the mixture to the grinder.
• Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the mixture and then drop in a few ice cubes to make it hummus creamy and smooth.
• Once blended, give it a final stir and garnish with a sprinkle of oregano.
• A quick, nutritious and tasty hummus is ready to enjoy.

Along with the video of her preparing the creamy hummus, Bhagyashree also shared some tips in the caption. She mentioned that this protein-packed snack can be enjoyed and can be used as a healthier alternative to butter in sandwiches or served as a delicious dip. Her key advice for a creamy hummus includes removing the skins from the chickpeas and adding ice cubes while blending to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

Benefits Of Hummus

Switching to hummus instead of butter, jam, or mayonnaise on bread may offer numerous benefits. It increases your intake of protein, fiber and essential minerals. Hummus may support heart health, improve digestion, promote healthy weight management and help regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, it helps cut down on calories which makes it a lighter, healthier option for your meals.

Last Updated:November 07, 2024, 17:13 IST

The diva is among the fittest moms in B-town and often gives workout motivation to her fans.

When it comes to fitness, Shilpa Shetty needs no special introduction. The diva is among the fittest moms in B-town and often gives workout motivation to her fans through social media. From Yoga to gym and pilates, the Dhadkan actress does it all to keep her healthy and fit. Now, after enjoying sweet delicacies during Diwali celebrations, the actress is back to her workout routine.

Recently, the 49-year-old actress dropped a video on Instagram that featured her doing yoga along with her cute workout partner, her daughter Samisha. “The balancing act, Mommy – Daughter Yoga time (Goal: Burning those Diwali calories),” the video caption read.

The Mom and Daughter’s yoga session included Surya Namaskar which is a sequence of twelve Yoga poses that are performed in a flowing manner to generate a smooth flow of movement. She began with Pranamasana (Prayer Pose), followed by Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian Pose), Dandasana (Plank Pose), Ashtanga Namaskara (Eight-Limbed Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and lastly performed the Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog), before returning to complete the cycle.

Surya Namaskar, also known as the sun salutation has many benefits for the body and mind. Let us explore a few of them:

Weight Loss

If you’re on a weight loss journey, adding Surya Namaskar to your workout regime could be beneficial. It is believed that a single round of Surya Namaskar can burn about 13.9 calories, while a full session of 12 repeats can burn roughly 416 calories. Additionally, it also boosts metabolism and improves digestion.

Improves Strength

It is a full-body practice that increases flexibility, strength and stamina. This yoga sequence includes several postures and breathing techniques and stretches your muscles, making you more flexible and increasing your physical strength.

Improves Blood Circulation

Another benefit of performing Surya Namaskar is that it promotes healthy blood circulation and removes toxins and other waste products from the body.

Good for mental health

One of the major reasons why everyone must perform Surya Namaskar is that it is good for your mental health. It can help reduce stress, and anxiety and releases endorphins in your body that can help improve overall mood.

Improved Posture and Alignment

It helps to improve your body posture and alignment. Surya Namaskar trains your body to maintain a straight and balanced posture that not only prevents backaches but also keeps your spine healthy.

Initially, it is advised to perform Surya Namaskar under the supervision of a Yoga expert to avoid any injuries.

Last Updated:October 26, 2024, 17:33 IST

This low-impact exercise helps control weight, lower stress levels and improve cardiovascular health.

One of the easiest and most accessible types of exercise, walking has several advantages for both your physical and emotional health. Walking may be done at anytime, anyplace and by anyone regardless of age or fitness ability, in comparison to high-intensity exercises that could call for specialised training or gym equipment. Whether you are comfortable walking in the park or taking a stroll in your neighbourhood, this low-impact exercise helps control weight, lower stress levels and improve cardiovascular health. Here we will talk about the advantages of walking and the growing popularity of short, frequent walks.

How Much Should You Walk Daily?

Try to walk as briskly as you can for at least half an hour on most days of the week, to increase the health benefits. The optimal amount of time spent walking each day varies according to lifestyle circumstances, fitness level and personal health objectives. It is advised to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking most days of the week for overall health advantages.

Benefits Of Walking:

When you walk, you bear your own weight. This type of exercise is called weight-bearing. Some of the advantages are:

• Improved fitness of the heart and lungs (cardiopulmonary)
• Decreased chance of stroke and heart diseaseBetter control of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and joint and –Muscle discomfort or stiffness
• Better balance and stronger bones
• Improved endurance and strength of the muscles
• Decreased body fat.

What Are Short Walking Bouts?

Walking bouts are short bursts of time spent walking. In contrast to steady, state walking, which entails walking for an extended amount of time at a constant pace, they often last a few minutes or less. Both people and animals engage in these brief walking episodes spontaneously and frequently since they frequently stop, start and change directions. These can be observed when moving around the office, going from room to room, or taking a few steps to get something.

Incorporating Short Bouts In Your Daily Life:

One of the simplest and most efficient ways to enhance your health is to walk. Even little walks throughout the day can have the same positive effects as the longer ones. Try dividing your 30- to 60-minute walk time into smaller, more doable walks, such as a 10-minute walk after meals or a short walk in between jobs. Without the need for long, formal walks, this will support blood flow, preserve body suppleness and boost metabolism. When taken as a whole, these activities improve cardiovascular health and give energy surges that promote overall well-being.