The Brunette Diaries

Tips to keep your kitchen healthy and clean

Ants, mouldy residue, dirty sink, dirty stove, and dirty food cabinets are some of the ways in which your kitchen can seem ugly. Usually, unless you have enough time on your hands, keeping your kitchen clean is not on the top of your agenda for the day. However, kitchen cleanliness is of utmost importance as it is the same place where your food comes from. Here are a few tips to keep your kitchen clean and protect against the following problems:

Let keeping your kitchen clean be at the top of your agenda

Ants

Ants can be a severe menace in your kitchen and they can infest the place if not taken care of in time. Usually, a solution of boric acid and water works like magic. Mix a tablespoon of boric acid powder in a cup of water and put the solution in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the trail of ants, along skirtings and even in the corners of kitchen cabinets.

Spoiling food

If you aren’t used to keeping your food in the fridge all the time, don’t forget that food gets spoilt faster in the summer than in the winter thanks to the excess heat. Hence, it is important to keep your kitchen cool. Opt for a window covering that prevents harsh sunlight from coming in the house.

Trash

Usually, you are not required to change your trash-can linen every day; but in the summer, leftover food tends to rot faster. If you don’t change your trash-can linen, it can leave your kitchen with a foul odour.

Cleaning

Dusting of all the kitchen appliances is one more necessary job. Your refrigerator, microwave, food cabinets and your gas stove are places you must keep dust and grease free as this can be a harbour for bacteria.

Mould

The kitchen platform can develop mouldy residue if not cleaned well. Therefore, it is important to give it a wash before you turn off the lights each night.

Make sure you do all you can in your space of time and effort to keep your kitchen clean. Do not overlook this as it is imperative for healthy and clean food, and it lowers the risk of any disease.

Main causes of belly fat

Abdominal fat is an issue which most people struggle with. Most people want to look fit and fab, but everyone struggles with that flab around the tummy. Let us look at the main causes of this belly fat:

Improper digestion

Improper digestion will bring about a range of gastrointestinal disorders. Eating at late hours can cause your stomach to bulge and bloat. It is important to take all measures to ensure that you digest your food properly if you want to get rid of belly fat.

Genetics

Genetics play a role in belly fat as well. Some people find it harder to get rid of belly fat than most others because of genetics.

Stress

Several studies say that one can gain abdominal obesity due to stress. When you are stressed, the cortisol hormone is released, which triggers the fat reserve around the belly. At the same time, stress also makes you binge which results in excess fat accumulation.

Slow metabolism

Reduced metabolism rate is one of the main reasons for fat accumulation. When your rate of metabolism is low, you tend to burn lesser calories and hence fat gets stored in the most convenient place, which is your belly.

Alcoholism

Most people proudly talk about their beer bellies. But they know themselves they’d love to live without it. Alcoholism will contribute to higher calorie accumulation in your belly area.

Lack of activity

This is quite an obvious cause of belly fat. You need to involve yourself in some sort of physical activity that is in proportion to your food intake, to make sure you do not develop body fat.

Unhealthy eating

When you eat fatty foods, they accumulate in your belly area quite conveniently. Fast food is normally fried in excess oil and this is one of the main causes of belly fat.

How to lose weight without hitting the gym

Losing weight takes a lot of discipline and determination, whether in the gym or outside it. Some of us just don’t have the time for hitting the gym. Or maybe we are just not a gym-person. So how do we get rid of all the excess fat reserved in our body? Follow these steps to achieve your desired weight without sweating it out.

Smaller meals:

Not all of us are conscious enough to count every calorie, so try to make your meal portions smaller. And bunk the second helping altogether. You can take shorter lunch breaks at work so that you don’t over-eat.

Avoid too much sweet:

If you really need to have a dessert after your meals then try to swap the ice-creams and cakes with a piece of dark chocolate. It’s a healthier option to satisfy your sweet tooth without piling up on the calories.

Move your butt:

Having a sedentary lifestyle can make losing weight very difficult. Take regular breaks every 2 hours to walk around the office. Skip the elevator and start taking the stairs whenever possible. Enrol for a fun weekend dance class. The more you move, the faster you lose that weight.

Sleep:

Sleep is more than just a pretty-making mechanism. Your digestive system is also pumping hard to process your food, metabolizing carbohydrates and breaking down fats. Some studies have linked sleep deprivation to weight problems; so the bottom line is – if you don’t want your ‘bottom’ to grow bigger, hit the sack at the earliest.

Have sex:

That’s right; sex is a great way to shed the extra calories. An average sex session burns 150 to 250 calories per half hour – depending on how hot, flexible and athletic your session was. Now don’t be disheartened even if you aren’t extremely acrobatic in love-making, as sex naturally gets your heart rate up, which in turn improves circulation and burns calories and fat.

Laugh while you still have teeth:

Last but not the least – laugh more! Laughing heartily five times a day has the same beneficial effects as ten minutes on a rowing machine. How great is that!

Ways to get rid of cellulite

Cellulite is a condition in which the skin appears to have areas with underlying fat deposits, giving it a dimpled, lumpy appearance. Around 90 percent of women suffer from it in their legs, buttocks or stomach. There are ways in which you can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite. Let us look at some of them.

(Also read – How to burn fat without losing muscle)

Eat healthy

A healthy diet plays an important part in keeping cellulite at bay. Eat plenty of fibre and whole grain foods as well as fruits and vegetables, since they help to remove waste and toxins from the intestinal tract. Drink plenty of water as well. Water helps in shedding of fat and also in strengthening the collagen in your skin.

Exercise

Cellulite is basically fat. Excess body fat shows itself through cellulite. Exercising regularly can reduce this excess fat and get rid of cellulite.

(Try reading – Main causes of belly fat)

Massage

Massaging the area with certain tools available in the market will help in stimulating circulation and breaking up fluids beneath your skin, leaving a more even appearance.

Gelatin

Consuming gelatin helps in tightening loose skin and it also improves digestion. It is also rumoured to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. So, there’s nothing like trying.

(You may find this interesting – Fitness habits to establish in your 20’s)

Coffee scrub

Coffee scrubs can be beneficial in reducing cellulite as well. The caffeine in coffee helps in tightening the skin.

Kettlebell workouts

Kettlebell workouts are a great way to increase blood flow and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Known to be one of the most effective ways to build muscle and burn fat, Kettlebell exercises are especially good for your thighs, hips, buttocks and stomach area.

(Also read – How to lose weight without hitting the gym)

Omega 3

Consuming Omega 3fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins will help reduce cellulite over time. Besides, they are also good for various other functions in your body!

Cheat Codes To Look Thinner

A close friend’s wedding is coming up! All your attempts to lose weight have failed, and you’re getting panicky. You want to appear thinner instantly, without going to the gym in these last few days? And without those silly crash diets? Well, of course you do! Here’s how you can!

Stand up straight

Standing up straight will make you look thinner

When you improve your posture, not only do you visibly decrease your stomach fat, but you also gain confidence.

Wear proper fitting underwear

An ill fitting bra or underwear will make fat spill over. Wear the proper size and you will look a whole lot thinner.

Wear long fitting tops

Wearing a long fitting top or shirt will stretch out your torso and thus make you appear thinner.

Choose colours carefully

Avoid bright colours and patterns as they make you appear bigger than you are. Dark colours are known to make your heavier sections appear smaller.

Shoes should match your body

The shoes you wear should match your body type and size. If you are on the heavier side, try and look out for bulkier shoes, and don’t go in for slender heels!

Distract

Another way to appear thinner is to distract everybody from your body and make them notice either your face (for makeup tips read – How to enhance your best features using makeup ) or your hair (for hairstyle tips read – Hairstyles that can make you look stylish instantly!).

Size of clothes

Wear the right size of clothes. Do not go in for a larger size or anything too tight. If you try to squeeze into a size 12 if you’re a size 16, then you are surely going to accentuate your body fat, even the little that there is.

Stay away from horizontal striped tops/t-shirts

Don’t wear horizontal striped t-shirts or tops as they made you appear wider. But if they are vertically striped, they make you appear thinner.

(Also read – Mistakes that slow down your weight loss)

Jewellery

Match your jewellery to your body shape and size. If you are a big and/or tall person, wear a bigger size chain.

(Also read – Ways to get rid of cellulite)

Black clothes

If you don’t mind the colour, consider that black will always make you look thinner!

2014 fashion trends – what sizzles and what will fizzle

Somebody has rightly stated that “Fashion is like seasons, it comes and goes and leaves the world wanting for more.” Whenever a new trend in fashion is doing the rounds, people all over the world turn to their fashion gurus for a word about how to rock the trend best. Some trends die out soon while others are more grounded for longer periods. Let’s take a look at which ones will stay on this year and what is fast disappearing.

Colours!

Orchid is the colour of 2014. We are extremely excited about this one because this vibrant and fresh colour can be worn on all skin tones. Plus the rosy-flowery touch to it makes it an out-and-out fashion staple. Rock this colour in accessories or go for a colour block wardrobe. Neons have made their splash but pastel shades are again making a promising comeback. We’re talking baby blue, lavender, subtle yellow and creamy-smoothie colours like shades of a prim rose… so romantic!

Culottes and Palazzos are here to stay

Culottes and Palazzos are making a splash this year

Culottes or wide legged short pants are back again and this time they will stay for a longer bracket. Also Palazzos will be widely accepted and preferred over skinny jeans. The high waist varieties will add length to your frame and make you look instantly taller and leaner. We give them a huge thumbs-up!

Tea-length skirts

Tea-length skirts have always been around and now with their colour palette going neutral, they never looked prettier! Mini-skirts can totally go into hiding now.

Crop tops

Crop tops will be a huge rage this year. If you dare to bare your mid-riff then you must try this sexy trend. They come in many variants depending on asymmetric hems and varying sizes. The bra-top or a bustier-top will soon make a mark.

Say no to Anarkali suits

The flared Anarkalis are completely out of fashion this year. These wedding staples will soon vanish from the mandap and straight kurta style dresses will take over the fashion scene instead.

Sarees

The traditional 6 or 9 yard saree will be swapped for one that’s pre-tailored. Textured fabrics will be more popular and pallu and pleats will be stitched as per the wearer’s body. Also the blouse will take a backseat with the young and bold; only to be replaced by a shirt or a tee for that edgy sassy look. Mainstream designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Masaba are already popularising this trend in the markets.

Hair trends

Shorter hair will be the hot favourite this season. Wind-swept pixie cuts or the classic bob will be popular. Beautiful and romantic braids will linger on for a long time.

Jewellery

India is known for its love for jewellery and this year too jewellery will be a huge fashion statement. Chunky designs inspired by history and nature will be hugely popular. Gold will remain wedding-loyal, and silver and platinum will be a preferred option for casual outings.

Beauty essentials for brighter and younger looking skin

Who wouldn’t want a flawless skin? Whether you are a teenager, a tweenager or nearing your late forties, age is just a number! A good skin care regimen can make you look years younger. If you don’t follow a skin care routine yet, it’s never too late to start. To get you started, find some beauty essentials listed below…

Moisturizer:

No skin care routine is complete without moisturizer. Always use a good moisturizer with SPF 15 before you step out of the house, as the sun can age your skin well before you do. Even before you go to bed, you must follow a CTM (cleansing-toning-moisturizing) code. The results will surprise you within a few weeks.

Skin serum: A good skin serum infused with vitamins B12, A, E can help in effectively combating wrinkles and fine lines. You can find the best anti-ageing serum at any good cosmetics outlet.

Anti-wrinkle day/night creams:

No, these anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle creams will not give you results within a day. Skin care goes a long way. If you want wrinkle-free skin at 40 then you must start taking proper care of it from the time you are in your late twenties. Use anti-wrinkle creams in the day as well as the night and keep yourself well hydrated.

Sunscreen: A good sunscreen is a must have for every girl irrespective of her age. The harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted from the sun cause tanning, dullness, and premature ageing. A sunscreen with SPF 20 or more should be regularly used for a flawless complexion.

Follow these tips and be assured of turning heads around!