"SECRET TO A SLIM BODY" courtesy- Almonds

Almonds, like all other nuts contain monounsaturated fatty acids which not only provide us with proteins, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, fibre etc. but also melt the tummy fat. They satiate the hunger and help to lose weight especially the accumulated fat around the stomach.

To prove the benefits of almonds, a study was conducted in California in which 65 women and men were given 70 almonds per day. After 6 months, there was a noticeable decrease in the waist of 14 % i.e. 7 inches.

A research in Spain also shows that foods with monounsaturated fatty acids are much healthier than foods with carbohydrates, because carbohydrates do the job of adding fat, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids reduce the tummy fat. So why not replace the fried snacks and sweets with almonds, cashew, pistachios and walnuts, which can be stored in containers in your refrigerator and eaten when you feel hungry. Having nuts instead of fried snacks is a way and secret to a healthy, slimmer body.

Apple and pear body shapes-compared

Apple shaped body

1.The fat is distributed in the upper body above the waist.

2.Apples have large amounts of deep fat stored around the waist/abdomen(surrounding the internal organs) called visceral fat.

3.There is no defined waist.

4.There is relatively higher level of androgen present in apples and rectangles therefore, more of a masculine bone structure.

5.Eat fiber filled foods which keep sugar, cholostrol, heart problems at bay.

6.Because large amount of fat is around the tummy, regular exercise and diet control is a must to avoid any type of problems or diseases.

7.Apples become rectangles when they lose weight, they cannot become pears.

Pear shaped body

1. The fat is distributed in the lower body below the waist.

2.Most fat is stored in the hips, buttocks and thighs called subcutaneous fat(under the skin).
3.The waist is defined.

4.Lesser levels of androgen therefore, more of a feminine bone structure.

5.Must eat low fat foods. Pear fat cells are 'magnet cells', the bottom part attracts all the fat you consume.

6.Physical activity is necessary for everyone to keep healthy.

7.Pears remain pears only when they lose weight(top smaller than bottom). They can become apples when they put on too much weight.

6 ways to blast the belly fat

1. Keep your posture straight -- shoulders pushed slightly backwards and tummy in.

2. In between meals, do not snack on chips and popcorns; instead munch raisins( they are mild lexative) and nuts( they are cholestrol -free).

3. Melt the fat by drinking a cup of hot water with 1 tsp honey and 10 drops of lilme juice whenever you are hungry.

4. Eat food containing fibre like nuts, sprouts, fruits salad and boiled vegetables. The fat globules get caught in the fibres and are thrown out of the body.

5. Practice Ajgar Mudra 5 times daily - Exhale, taking the tummy in as if it will go and touch your back (it will not ofcourse, but just imagine). Inhale back slowly.

6. Do not drink cold water post-exercise. A hot herbal tea or honey & lime in warm water can be had.