Diet Plans and Weight Loss Program for healthy Life!

What started a year and few months before, starts again for me. Interim I have been little relaxed and more flexible to my self and well being. Now it's time for another beginning.

I know I wrote lot of my resolutions yet this was not mentioned. Those were work related yet personal too.
I have made lot of progress towards what I wanted to do. Like recording what comes to mind or some events that seem important end of the day. Beginning this year, I made my mind to experience every day in the most possible way I can. These 37 days have been good in ways I may not have even done my last year. I have made lot of progress in many areas.

Though one main aspect that I wanted to talk about was the goal of getting healthier and loosing more weight. If you must know, obese and I are twin sisters. There I said it. For many years I have been touchy on the word. Most common I know. I am the most affable and approachable person you can meet, if I may say so myself. Yet though I won't show it, I do get affected when somebody teases me on that. During teens there were many reasons for wishing to be obese, those reasons best not said. Yet it became the bane of my life.

Later I wasn't even bothered about them.

Fact is, in the end, I suffered. Though I was obese, I was the healthiest and very flexible person because of my physical activities. Being a Badminton player helped me being fit as a fiddle. 

After marriage, child, everything stopped and after my twins the problem had become worse. Until one fine day I was told I shouldn't sit down due to my severe knee pain. I managed, just about somehow. Finally after a year, I decided I had enough and got on a diet and a program that was meant to take care of the excess weight. And become more healthy. The first week felt I was in heaven! The feeling continued for many months.

I lost about 33 lb/ 15 kgs in the first 4 months. then slowly got down further 2 -3 kgs in the next 2 months. I reached a plateau at two different stages, which I managed well. At this stage Athamma had an accident which prevent me from following my diet and everything went for a toss. This was in April 2009, after which I have maintained my weight and health to great extent.

Because I have never express well, how really elated I was when I finally fit into my first jeans during last Diwali. That motivated me like nothing else. But in recent days, I have been laxer and the weight seem to have gone up. Plus no exercise of any sort. Since the new year beginning I have been thinking I should start on my diet regime, I have been postponing. yesterday when hubby dear mentioned that it looks like I have gained weight when I wore my jeans, I knew I had to start this right away. 

You may wonder what will happen to my ICC or Cooking 4 all Seasons! No worries, I will be posting regular recipes there as I cook for the rest of the family. This blog and plan is only for me and me alone.

The diet I followed was a Diabetic Diet, charted with consultation with my father, who is a doctor and a dietician. Finally the diet I arrived and followed was mostly what I have formed of my own with their advise.

This past one year I have shared my diet with friends and helped them some gain back their spice in life. When few blogger friends have been asking about motivation to start a diet plan, I decided publishing this. My plan was to declare what I eat and update with progress, along with recipes .

The diet works mostly for people following Indian food. Since I only cook Indian food, I know only about them them.

The diet that I am going to follow is more or less a Diabetic Diet, since that diet is the most healthiest diet one can follow to become fit. But again as I said few items may change. So please don't conclude this covers everything.

Somewhere during mid of last year I came across Kay's blog, where she tracked her plan. I felt I should have tracked mine too. Now I get another chance to do exactly that!.

I am going to list out the general things that have to be kept in mind, plus the foods that need to be avoided

1. First and foremost, never to fast or feast. Or stay hungry without food.
2. Spend atleast 15 to 20 minutes eating your food. This applies for drinking liquids also.
3. Drink atleast 2-3 liters of water. This helps flush out toxic and prevent headaches.
4. Exercise or walk for 30 - 40 mins everyday.
5. Never get emotionally tensed. Be occupied in some activity mentally and physically. This helps a lot in your weight loss and path to healthy life.
6. Forget about Sugar!
7. Use only about 2 tsp of oil for cooking per day.

Foods to avoid

1. Cereals like Rice, Corn, Maida/APF, Noodles etc.
2. No sweets or desserts
3. Chocolates and ice creams, yes I know its depressing but really no!
4. Bakery and pastries.
5. Aerated beverages and soft drinks, and Hard drinks too..:))
6. Fruits like Mango, Grapes, Jackfruit, chikko, Banana, etc. Though I have reserve against this list.
7. Root vegetables like potatoes, yam. colacassia. Rest of them can be had in limited amount.
8. Deep fried foods, yeah I shouldn't even say the name out!
9. No Dry fruits, this again will be revisited.
10. Fruit Juices.

Starting from tomorrow, I will hop on this. Will try update what my diet was during the day, along with the recipes that are already on my blogs. New recipes will have to wait. Will post them as and when I get the chance.

If you are interested to follow, you are most welcome. I can do with group support and cheering! Do drop in a word in the comment section.

Disclaimer - This diet has worked for me, but I am not a dietician, nutritionist or a medical professional nor am I trying to play one here. If you want to follow these, please consult with your doctor or a dietician. Follow this diet at your own risk.

Chocolate Pancake ~ Kid's favorite for Wholesome Breakfast!

After yesterday's delicious Banana Ragi Paniyaram, it was the pancake today. I was inspired by Indrani's Chocolate pancake that she has sent for Wholesome Breakfast Event. I had already shown the picture to Konda and she was all pleased that she is again going to get a chocolate based dish for breakfast.

Since the recipe called for egg, I had to change it. I didn't have eggs on hand and moreover, I normally make my pancakes eggless. So I added milk and proceeded the same way. Surprising the boys got up early today and were cranky a bit. So couldn't spend much time checking out with the pictures. A hurry click was what I could manage.

On top I thought I would send Aloo paratha for Konda's lunch and as breakfast for the boys. That had me spinning to get them made on time.

I made this pancake just for Konda and I had tasted it myself. I must say that given such tasty breakfast, I won't mind eating it myself. I was happy hearing how elated Konda sound eating this. She was so very excited and said it tasted simply great. Thanks Indrani for the inspiration. We love chocolate in any form.

To make this a bit more healthy, I added wheat flour along with All purpose flour. The basic pancake recipe is really something you can make as you go.

Chocolate Pancake

Preparation Time : 5 mins
Cooking Time : 5 mins
Makes: 2 pancakes

Ingredients Needed:

All purpose flour / Maida - 2 tbsp
Wheat Flour - 1 tbsp
Milk - 2 tbsp
Sugar - 1 tsp
Chocolate Syrup/ Sauce - 2 tbsp
Oil for cooking.

Method to prepare;

Mix the flours and slowly add the hot milk to form a lump less batter.

Mix in the chocolate sauce and sugar. Beat it well for the sugar to melt.

Meanwhile heat a pan or tawa and grease it. Pour the pancake batter and spread as a disc evenly. Simmer for few mins and sprinkle oil.

When it is cooked, flip to the other side and cook till done. This mostly takes abt 1 -2 mins.

Serve hot. This can be eaten as such as it is sweet. Else you can serve with Fruit jams.

Notes: I gave in small measurements as I don't think the adults at home would want a sweet dish for breakfast, especially with chocolate sauce. So measure it as you make it. The ratio of the ingredients are pretty much the same.
I used Hershey chocolate syrup, so it was not so bitter. But some sauces are bitter so adjust based on it.

I normally add hot milk in place of eggs, if required a pinch of cooking soda. But most times, just plain flour with milk works out best.

 

Banana Ragi Paniyaram ~ Wholesome Breakfast dish for Kids!

After two days of managing the breakfast and lunch for Konda, I knew I had to get some plan done. Else it's a question of going back to the old ways of being so pressed for everything. As things would have it, though last night everybody at home slept pretty early, I was lost with thoughts to update. Finally I decided to update the menu and internet gave up on me!

So I decided I might as well take the gift that was offered on plate. Result was I got up early this morning. First thing I did was to write down what I can do for the next three days. As promised, I searched the entries that are sent for the Kids Delight - Wholesome Breakfast and selected couple of them that I can do right away. Infact showed the entries to Konda, who was mightily pleased that her needs were the first thing to be done.

Before that I have some exciting news to share, my Gulab Jamun Recipe for Indian Cooking Challenge has been nominated for Best ‘Culinary’ Post in Avant Garde Bloggies Awards - 2009. The polling will begin in a week's time. Please do vote for me!

Champa's Banana Ragi Paniyaram was the most simplest and easiest dish I could make right away. So proceeded to do right then. I was impressed with the easy list that was on the recipe and how quickly I could get this done. I halved the recipe and had this ready in flat 10 - 15 mins. That is really very quick!

They had the perfect honeycombs and a grate taste. I simply loved it. Konda liked it a lot at the beginning seeing how it looked and even the initial taste. but when it got little cold, she was able to taste the ragi, which she said was tasting different. Maybe this requires acquired taste. But still I know kids will love this. Thank you Champa.

Banana Wheat Ragi Paniyaram

Preparation Time : 5 mins
Cooking Time : 10 mins
Makes : 6 paniyarams

Ragi Flour / Finger Millet flour - 1/4 cup
Wheat flour - 1/4 cup
Sugar - 1/4 cup or less
Banana - half of a big one
Milk - 1/4 cup
Cardamom a pinch
Cooking Soda a pinch
Oil for cooking

Special Utensils - Paniyaram pan / Aebleskiver Pan

 

Method to prepare:

Mix the dry flours separately along with the cardamom powder and Cooking soda.

In a bowl, mash the banana well. Add hot milk. Ensure there are no lumps. Then add the sugar and mix again.

Then add the flour and mix well. Meanwhile have the pan on stove, so that it is hot when the batter is ready.

When you are done mixing all the flour into the banana mix, try beating it with spoon or fork as this process will let air into the batter.

When the pan is hot, sprinkle drops of oil over it. With a spoon, pour the batter into the moulds. Sprinkle oil drops over the top and cover with the lid.

Cook till it is done, using a spoon or a knife turn it to be cooked on the other side too.

I served this hot with Chocolate Sauce and Banana slices. It was really a great combo. The honeycombed paniyaram soaked the sauce and made you lick your fingers for sure!

 

Notes: 

Mash the banana well and use hot milk as that will aid in getting the sugar mixed well.

Beating will enable the air going into get the paniyaram bowl out.
Adjust the sugar based on how sweet the banana is. This can also be served with milk.

Will be back with the next breakfast dish! Till then enjoy.

Menu for Kids ~ Third week!

After a week's break with the menu planner, I knew I had to get one in place, if I have to be sane. Else it becomes a real pressuring thought in the morning. Yesterday was quite easy as I had made Poha for Konda's lunch and sandwich for breakfast. Today was even more easy as it was Appams. with different side dishes. It is a great help when kids like one item so much that they won't mind repeating it in a week.

As I spoke about the difference in this event, I am going to make some of the entries that was sent. I have eyed Healthy Savoury Pancakes, Ragi Banana Paniyaram

Kids' favorite chocolate pancake

Tri-Color Bell Peppers Omelette

Will update once I make these.

Week 3	Breakfast	Lunch
Monday	Bread with Jam and Butter	Masala Poha
Tuesday	Appam with Coconut Milk	Appam with Tomato Kurma
Wednesday	Ragi Banana Paniyaram	Parotta with PButter Masala
Thursday	Kids' favorite chocolate pancake	Curd Rice with Pickle
Friday	Tri-Color Bell Peppers Omelette	Variety Rice

I am hoping to be on schedule. Thanks for the entries. Keep them coming!

Popped Jowars ~ Healthy Snack for Kids!

Did you ever face a situation where you learnt a new thing and you felt strange for never knowing it? This happened to me couple of weeks back. For the Sankranti festival, Athamma wanted to prepare all those dishes that her mom used to make for the festival. One of those were these different laddos with Jowar and Bajra. Since I have never attempted making these, I asked how to make these, assuming that the seeds will be roasted and then powdered as the normal procedure goes for making laddos.

Little did I know that these Jowar seeds pop out like the corns and these are eaten as a delicacy as the popcorns. The poor mans popcorns or the lucky man's popped jowar if I must say! For almost few minutes I was speechless knowing that they actually pop out. That shows I never looked at it scientifically, which I do on most things. I try to analyze the science behind each cooking method. So I should have known that a dried seed like this should pop out right, but I didn't.
 

So it was naturally a great pleasure seeing them pop out on being roasted. Athamma further told me that her mom used to make a big batch of these popped Jowar, infact salted ones as munchies to the kids. Imagine Athamma munching on these as a young girl! Unbelievable, and here I was thinking and acting so smart when I actually showed her how to pop out corns. I have a never ending supply of the dried corn seeds for konda, who loves them. Of course who doesn't love popcorns.

The Jowar seeds pops out so beautifully that it makes a great thing to cook. I tried taking a step by step but the lighting in my kitchen was not enough for bright ones.
 

Heat a pan. When it is really hot, drop in handful of jowar seeds and using a spatula dry roast them.

Ensure you keep stirring else there are chances of some seeds getting too much heat. When the seeds get enough heat, they start popping out.

Just like the popcorns. Simmer the flame, cover with lid with the spatula inside. With the lid covered, try shaking the spatula so that it stirs the seeds and ensures all of them get popped out.
 

Once all are done, you can sprinkle salt and other masala you wish. And store it in air tight container.
 

Notes : Other way of making salted Jowar pops, lightly coat the seeds with little oil, sprinkle salt over them and then continue the process of frying.

The way I have shown is normally followed when you want to make the sweet laddos. Of course the laddos are for another day!

This makes a great snack for kids and of course for everybody!

Quick & Easy Savory Rava Vermicelli Idli Step by Step Recipe ~ Diabetes Diet Food

I think this Rava Vermicelli Idli must be really of those few recipes that got done almost immediately after  the know-how. Ever since we made the Wheat Idli, Athamma has been after me to make this. Actually Amma saw us making the Bansi Rava Idli, she make a change to the recipe by making it a Rava Idli with Vermicelli and to boot, she sent some to Athamma. Well ever since then, I have been pressured to attempt it.

Since this week I decided not to make Idli on Monday as Konda wanted a change, without realizing that Tuesday was a holiday, we went ahead with soaking the rice for idli. Naturally we can't make Idli on a holiday right. Every time I pack the Idlis, somehow Chinnu gets on the scene, with stern voice tells me "Amma, Idli Votthu anni sepunnanu katha?" (Mom, I have told to I don't want Idlis) I just nod my head and get on with my work.

After all it's not me who was going to feed him and he normally eats whatever put in front of him by his school folks. Its a blessing, really! Finally it turned out that breakfast was Poori with Kala Channa, his favorite. He was happy being fed that. So as a reward, I saved up the Idlis for today. Athamma was reminding me the day through that I am yet to ask Amma about the recipe. I finally did at late night and even wrote it down.

We decided to make very small quantity as we had the regular Idli batter too. I used the smallest cup in my household, which measures about 50 gms I think, not really sure. I have taken a picture to make things more clear. Will try to measure the exact amount one of these days for sure. After a day at home, and an outing last evening, I was really energized to get up early then normal. Result is this step by step picture. Else it is really too crazy to manage.

Making of this idli is really really to simple and result will pleasantly surprise you. If you are fans of Rava Idli (which I am), believe this works as a breeze. To be frank, I have never attempted at the authentic Rava Idli all by myself. So making something with rava, even if it was only half and getting a perfect shaped idli that also tasted great, felt really good.

This is yet another dish most idle for Diabetes. Very tasty and quick to make, all under 40 mints from start to end!

Since I had time I took this in steps, I hope you find it useful!

Heat a non stick pan, dry roast Sooji till you start smelling the aroma. Remove keep aside.

Then put the vermicelli and roast again until you see it nicely done. This takes abt 2 -3 mins. While trying to meddle with the camera, I allowed it brown more. Which I am sure you will avoid!

Allow it cool, since I used a cup, I measured 1 and 1/4 cup of curds and mixed to the Rava and Vermicelli along with salt

At this stage it was really thick. I allowed it to rest for 5 minutes hoping that water will come out. But nothing like that happened. Only it became a thicker mass with the Rava and Vermicelli absorbing all the moisture. Add almost 1/4 cup of water to the mix and mix well to get a consistency that is not pouring yet loose. Almost like the regular Idli batter consistency.

Let it rest for 30 mins, if you are in a hurry like me, obviously you will disturb it by 20 mins and proceed with making the idlis.

Meanwhile heat a pan with oil, season with mustard, Urad dal, Bengal gram. When done add the onions, curry leaves and cashews if you are using it. Sauté well so that the onions get browned.

Add this to the batter and mix well.

Grease the idli plates with oil and pour a ladleful of the batter.

Steam for 10 - 15 mins depending on the idlis

Savory Rava Semiya Idli ~ Semolina Vermicelli Idli

Preparation Time : 5 - 7 mins
Soaking Time : 30 mins (or 1 hr if you have time)
Cooking Time : 10 - 15 mins (Depending on the number of plates used)
Makes - 6 idlis

Ingredients Needed:

Rava / Sooji - 50 gms
Vermicelli - 50 gms
Curds - 1 & 1/4 cup (use the same cup as you measure the rava and vermicelli)
Water as required to thin the batter.
Salt to taste

Seasoning
Onions - 1 medium
Green Chilies - 2 medium
Curry leaves few
Mustard Seeds, Urad dal - 1/2 tsp
Bengal Gram/ Channa Dal - 1/2 tsp
Cashew nuts - 5 (opt)
Coriander leaves  some

Method to prepare:

• The recipe calls for the regular measuring cup, but I used the smallest one on hand, which might measure up to 50 gms.
• Heat a non stick pan and dry roast Rava on high, while you keep stirring it to prevent from getting burnt. Repeat with the Vermicelli
• Then put the vermicelli and roast again until you see it nicely done. This takes abt 2 -3 mins.
• Allow it cool, measure 1 and 1/4 cup of curds and mixed to the Rava and Vermicelli along with salt.
• Check the consistency, if it is too thick thin it by adding little water. Then allow it to rest for 30 mins.
• Meanwhile heat a pan with oil, season with mustard, Urad dal, Bengal gram. When done add the onions, curry leaves and cashews if you are using it. Sauté well so that the onions get browned.
• Add this mix to the batter and mix well.
• Grease the idli plates with oil and pour a ladleful of the batter.
• Steam for 10 - 15 mins depending on the idlis.
• Enjoy with any side dish of choice!

Notes:  

1. The amount of water to be used depends on the quality of the Semolina and Vermicelli. So add in little by little. We don't want the batter to be too thin. The batter consistency should not pouring one yet loose enough. Almost like the regular Idli batter consistency.
2. The batter can be allowed to rest for 1 hr for more softer texture. But 20 mins was fairly fine. if required you can add very tiny pinch of cooking soda.
3. Again how many minutes required for steaming depends on the number of plates used in the Idli pan. I used 6 plate one and normally steam it for 15 mins. With just two plates it can be even less.

Quick Semiya Upma ~ Vermicelli Upma Recipe!

After yesterday's eventful things at home, I completely forgot to ask Konda for a menu. When I finally did, she said since I have two weeks worth of ideas, why not I come up with a mix and match myself. She said we can do the menu next week. What can I say after that. Anyway that still left me with a confusion on what to make for today. One item that was missed from the menu was Vermicelli Upma or Semiya Upma. Living in a household that detests upmas of any kind, I have long forgotten how one makes Vermicelli Upma.

Amma has this as part of the breakfast atleast once every week. Imagine I have never cooked this for many years. Hubby dear can't stand any version of it. Though he has mellowed over the years. To be frank, we have reached a stage where we can eat anything for any meal. But kids have reached a stage where they don't eat anything! Yes that leaves me in a soup, so in coup I decided that this Semiya Upma it was for Konda. Surprising she loved the setup and even more when she ate.

Infact there was hardly anything different that went in, but I wanted to record that this was yet another good and easy Breakfast/ School Lunch box for kids.

Quick Semiya Upma ~ Vermicelli Upma Recipe!

Ingredients Needed

Semiya / Vermicelli - 1 cup
Water - 1 cup
Onion - few chunks
Green Chili - 1 chopped into two pieces
Curry leaves - few


Method to prepare:

In a non stick pan, dry roast the vermicelli till nicely done. Ensure it doesn't get burnt.

Remove and in the same pan, heat oil, add the onion pieces. I add them in big chunk so that kids can throw them off easily! Then add the green chillies, curry leaves.

Once the onions are turning pink or translucent, add the salt along with water. When the water starts boiling, add the roasted vermicelli and mix well.

Cover with a lid and simmer for 5 more mins. Since you are adding 1 cup of water, ensure it gets cooked in low fame. When you find that water is completely evaporated which is about 5 -6 mins, switch off and remove

Notes:
Optionally you can add more onions, tomatoes and other spices too during the seasoning period. Since I got to remove all of them anyways, I don't add!
Vegetables can be added to improve the nutritional value
Remember to cook this in slow flame else you stand the risk of burning the upma.


This is for my Kids Delight Wholesome Breakfast, hope you are sending more ideas for me!

Will be attempting some of the dishes I was suggested, so check them out soon!