Thursday 28 June 2018

5 gadgets that will help you achieve your fitness goals

Fitness enthusiasts know that without constantly measuring, analysing and streamlining your fitness routines it may not be possible to consistently achieve your fitness goals. That is where these gadgets come in. Built by the best technology companies around the world these gadgets were designed to impress. Learn more about their features, price, availability and what makes them tick!
Halo Headband
First up is the Halo Headband. Backed by the power of neuroscience, this headband claims to stimulate the brain and regulate muscle movement. The Halo headband is not just for elite athletes, it is also for musicians, rock climber or just about anyone who wants to improve their motor skills. They claim that Halo sport provides ‘neuropriming’ by stimulating the motor cortex of the brain through sensitive nibs that is embedded within the headband.
Of course, it is a regular headband too that allows you to listen to your favourite music. It also has a mobile application associated with it that helps increase muscle memory and endurance. All the science does not come cheap either.
Price: $749.00
Unique Factor: Backed by neuroscience, this headphone stimulates the motor cortex
Availability: It is available for order through the Halo website
Fitbit AltaHR
Fitbit is not a new name in the fitness industry. Having made the first ever commercially successful fitness band, it is not news that they have made another product that caters to fitness enthusiasts. Fitbit Alta released a couple of years ago, and they have taken it up a notch with AltaHR where HR stands for Heart Rate. The remodelled Alta carries all the perks of its predecessor such as slim band width, removable bands and integrated mobile app. Add to it a heart rate monitor and you have a perfect recipe for fitness.
The best part – the connected app uses the heart rate monitor to measure the calories burned giving a more accurate estimate of your activity and helping you monitor your goals.
Price: $129.95 with frequent discounts available on multiple sites
Unique Factor: Integrated heart rate monitor to better track calories burned
Availability: Available through multiple retailers or directly through the Fitbit site.
Nadi X yoga pants
While technically not a gadget, this article of clothing is every much a yoga enthusiasts dream. Have you ever tried teaching yourself yoga or wanted to do yoga but were intimidated by the classes? The Nadi X yoga pant was designed for people like you. The pant comes with built in sensors (called as Haptic sensors) that vibrate and help you do yoga movements. The sensors are strategically placed near the hips, ankles and knees with embedded technology that does not feel bulky. The pants are available in various colours to suit your mood and are not too expensive either. Of course, you cannot machine wash these pants and may want to take good care of them.
Price: $299.00
Unique Factor:  Made for self-taught yoga enthusiasts the dress is unable
Availability: Only available from selected online retailers
Motiv Ring
Even though watches and bands are great for tracking your movements, they are cumbersome when you want to lie down or sleep. These Motiv Rings are great alternative to bulky bands. Made from titanium, this little ring can last for up to five days without requiring recharge. And if it does run out, you are still left with a well-designed accessory.  The ring is waterproof and monitors heart rate, calories, sleep patterns and active minutes. Fitness enthusiasts will love this one and the only worry is that you will forget to take it off.
Price: $199
Unique Factor: Small and compact with an in-built heart rate monitor
Availability: Available soon. Keep watching the company website
Under Armour Speed Form Gemini 2 Shoes
Under Armour has been known for their apparel but these shoes take the cake. They are made for running and hiking. With a built-in chip that tracks how long you have been running and a connected app to measure the data, you can track every one of your movement. The application allows you measure cadence, time, duration and distance with accurate GPS information.
Price: $149.95
Unique Factor: You can only run 400 miles on this shoe but when you replace it, your data will not get lost
Availability: Through Under Armour website and in Amazon
These gadgets were designed to assist you in achieving your goals faster and with ease. Even if you are not planning on buying them for yourself, they make for a great present to friends and family. No matter what occasion you are celebrating, try one of these gadgets for your favourite people and see how they rejoice!

Friday 1 June 2018

4 Delectable Indian Recipes on the Paleo Diet


The Paleo Diet ™ has taken the nutrition world by storm ever since it came into mainstream a few years back. The Paleo diet or Paleolithic diet is a low- carbohydrate diet that emulates the food of our ancestors. The idea is to eat more vegetables and greens and avoid processed food, grains and dairy products. This is because before the advent of agriculture and domestication of wild animals, the Paleolithic man primarily relied on such diet.
There is wide spread evidence that paleo diet helps improve body composition and helps lead a healthy lifestyle. Several enthusiasts claim that unlike other diets, Paleo gives them near instantaneous results with noticeable difference in their body within a week. Unfortunately, for those who love the Indian cuisine or cook Indian recipes frequently, the Paleo diet may become cumbersome. The complex Indian cuisine is almost always accompanied by a side of rice or other grains making it a paleo no-no.
Well you don’t need to worry any longer. With very few substitutes you can now make delicious Indian recipes that is guaranteed to leave your mouth watering. So, what are you waiting for. Grab your utensils and try these recipes out.  
Kerala Aviyal
This vegetable stew is simple that is very easy to make and Paleo friendly. It is made by stewing your favorite vegetables (squash, carrot, drumstick etc.,) in a coconut broth. The only thing you need to remember to make this recipe Paleo friendly is to avoid adding beans or any other non-paleo veggies. Another ingredient you need to avoid is yogurt. Yogurt does give this dish it's unique flavor but because it's a paleo no-no, you can make this dish without adding yogurt. It still tastes incredible and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Anda Bhurji
This Indian version of scrambled eggs is a breakfast delight. This recipe is very easy to make. All you need are your favorite chopped veggies – onions, tomato, carrot along with some farm fresh eggs. Lightly sautee the vegetables in olive oil and add the eggs. Keep tossing them until the eggs are well done and finally add some salt and pepper. That’s it. This Indian delight is paleo friendly with no substitutions required other than switching from regular oil to Olive oil. This is great as a tea-time snack or for a quick breakfast.

 Watermelon Chaat Salad
Having to give up desserts in the Paleo diet can be quite exhausting if you have a sweet tooth. Those sugar cravers can turn to this dish quite often to satiate their sugar-thirst. This dish, made from chilled watermelons and fresh cucumbers, provides much-needed relief in the hot summer months. If you are on a strict no-carb diet you may want to avoid adding mangoes but this is a great occasional treat if you are on Paleo.
Tamarind Cauliflower Rice
One of the dishes that is hardest to give up when you go Paleo after having lived on the Indian cuisine is rice. Indian recipes are used to having rice as the entree with chicken, veggies etc., as sides. If you hated giving up rice in your quest to go paleo, then you will surely enjoy this delight. Cauliflower rice is made by processing cauliflower and sautéing it lightly in olive oil until browned. To make tamarind cauliflower rice, all you need are tamarind juice, peppercorn and salt. Lightly toss the peanuts and peppercorn in oil and add the tamarind juice. When boiling, add the cauliflower rice and cook for a minute. And voilà, you have your very own spicy paleo-friendly tamarind rice. Some recipes suggest using peanuts and jiggery but remember to remove them to keep your dish paleo worthy.
The Paleo Diet is not a "diet" but rather a lifestyle choice. Do not be afraid to experiment and change your regimen depending on what works best for you. Because in the end, it all comes down to whether you like what you eat!