14 FOODS TO BOOST YOUR METABOLISM AND LOSE WEIGHT

When we are dieting or trying to lose weight, one common word we hear is metabolism.  Metabolism is the amount of energy or calories your body burns to maintain vital functions. Whether you are sleeping, shopping or exercising, your body is constantly burning calories. It needs fuel just as a car needs fuel to power itself. Your metabolism is the regulator and manager of your body’s fuel.

You know, some people were born with a faster metabolism than others. That’s why they can eat some more and they rarely gain any weight. While other people are hard-wired for a slower metabolism. But with the right program like eating the right foods in right amounts, foods low in fat and most importantly regular exercise that includes cardio, aerobics and walking, you can certainly speed up your metabolism and the benefits are definitely worth it.

There are some foods that actually help boost your metabolism and let me share that with you.

1. Grapefruit which is a super duper diet fruit, lowers the insulin levels in your body that trigger your system to store fat.  Plus, it is rich in fiber, and your body must burn extra calories in order to break it down.

2. Green Tea is the main source of epigallocatechin gallate, known better as EGCG which speeds up your brain and nervous system, causing your body to burn more calories.

3. Yogurt has high levels of protein that require a lot of energy to be processed.

4. Almonds’ essential fatty acids help raise your body’s metabolism. Just don’t overdo it because they’re also very high in calories.

5. Turkey is rich in protein and  builds lean muscle tissue, which causes your body to burn extra calories and raises your metabolism.

6. Apple is a  low-calorie snack is high in fiber, which your body must burn calories to break down. Since apples help you stay full for longer, you’ll eat less. I have started eating an apple everyday!

7. Spinach  not only helps in speeding up your metabolism, it’s a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, iron and vitamin C.

8. Beans are low in fat and packed with protein and keep you full for long durations, and your body must burn extra calories in order to process this fiber-rich vegetable.

9. Jalapenos contain capcaisin that causes your body to burn extra calories for hours after you consume them, speeding up both your heart rate and metabolism.

10. Broccoli contains a highly effective metabolism-boosting team of nutrients: calcium and vitamin C. Calcium acts as a metabolic trigger, while vitamin C helps your body absorb more calcium.

11. Oatmeal takes a long time for your body  to break down the fat-soluble fibre it contains , which lowers your body’s insulin level and speeds up your metabolism as a result.

12. Soy Milk that is fortified is loaded with calcium, helps boost your metabolism. Don't have the sweetened varieties.

13. Curry increases the amount of calories your body burns and speeds up your metabolism.

14. Cinnamon in your  daily cup of tea will help your body metabolize sugars more effectively and maintain steadier blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can also help lower your cholesterol.

DIVUNI JEWELLERY BY NORA KAFAFI

At the BLS Spring Bazar, I met a talented young lady Nora Kafafi who is an expert in jewellery making with beautiful beads as well as using semi precious stones. Her jewellery goes by name 'DIVUNI' which stands for 'Divine Diverse United Universe'. Nora had a nice collection of beautiful beads and she was making personalized bracelets as per each customer's individual choice right at her table, which was quite interesting. Her soulful creation of long and short necklaces using semi precious stones and special pendants is jewellery worth owning. Nora  has a lovely collection of them and she can also make one for you as per your personal preference and choice. There is a very peaceful and spiritual aspect to her jewellery.

You can contact Nora Kafafi at

Tel : 97140903
Email : Nora@kafafis.com

A POETIC QUOTE

A beautiful and meaningful  verse by Japanese contemporary Taoist sage and poet Nanao Sakaki

GARFIELD

GUCCI ARTISANS TO SHOWCASE THEIR CRAFTSMANSHIP AT 360 MALL

Have you wondered how a GUCCI bag is made and would love to see the whole process? GUCCI  artisans from Florentine workshops travel around the world to showcase their techniques and unique craftsmanship and this time, they will be in Kuwait at custom-built workshops at the GUCCI shop in 360 Mall on Wednesday 18th May to provide you the opportunity to watch how the leather goods are handstitched and assembled with  superb artistry and craftsmanship. The handcrafted items would be personalized for you with your initials if you wish.   Also,  if you own a GUCCI bag, be sure to bring it along, and they can emboss your initials or personalize it for you for free.

The event will be held at the GUCCI store in 360 Mall on Wednesday May 18th from 10:30am‏ to 12:30pm which is for the PRESS and for those who have official invitations to the event can attend on Wednesday evening from 6pm to 10pm. The invitations for Wednesday May 18 event, were available at GUCCI 360 Mall for pick up until tonight. Sorry this is rather a late post. However, don't be disheartened. They will have the same event once again for the public, on Thursday, 19th May  from 10am to 10pm, for which you don't require an official invitation. Visit Gucci for a unique insight into the time honoured traditions and watch the Artisans at work.  

To know more about the event, call  the GUCCI store at 360 Mall before you plan to attend the event, at 25309997

WATER COLOUR WORKSHOP WITH DEBBIE REEVE

Water colour paintings by Debbie Reeve

I met a gifted artist and a lovely person Deebie Reeve at BLS Spring Bazar yesterday. Debbie had a table with beautiful jewellery custom made by her. Besides that, Debbie had put up some of her amazing water colour paintings which would attract anyone's attention  with it's transparency and brilliancy which in fact is the essence of water colour paintings. . When you look at Debbie's paintings, you would forget your surroundings and imagine yourself amidst the beauty of her paintings, as if in a garden of flowers or in the midst of a beautiful landscape. Any person interested in learning to paint in water colours, have a wonderful opportunity to attend Debbie's upcoming workshop which is essential to anyone who aspires to learn the techniques of water colour painting.

WATER COLOUR WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS

Two workshops running concurrently on Saturday May 28, 2011

101 - Basics of watercolour painting

102 - Building foundation with colour mixing and special focus on creating greens

Venue : Debbie's Art Studio at her residence,  Sabah Al Salem

Time : 9am to 4pm

Once you attend the workshop, thereafter, you can attend Water colour classes every Monday and Wednesday from 9.30am to 12pm.

WATER COLOUR TEEN SUMMER ART CAMP (age 13 - 18)

Session 1 : June 27 to July 1

Session 2 : July 4 to July 8

Venue: Debbie's Art studio at her residence, Sabah Al Salem

A fun filled week learning how to paint flowers, landscapes and animals in water colour. Its a beginner's course to budding artists that provides foundation in art. The course will cover basic water colour techniques, colour mixing, drawing and painting. All paint and equipment is supplied.

For further details regarding the classes, course fee, paints and equipment:

Contact Debbie Reeves at 55050749 or 25515275

Visit her website : www.debbiereeve.com

SPRING BAZAR BY BRITISH LADIES SOCIETY AT RADISSON BLU

I first came to know about the BLS Spring Bazar from www.ladieswhodolunchinkuwait.com.  The Spring Bazar was a well organized, delightful event, held yesterday, at the Al Hashemi II of Radisson Blu (Failaka and Marine Museum Halls). Thankyou LWDLIK ! I was glad my husband and I could attend it. Both the halls were filled with lots of tables with ladies selling a variety of goods like paintings, attractive versatile artificial jewellery, with semi precious stones, silver and gold plated, beads, pearls, frankincense, myrrh, dolls, children's puzzles, gifts, silk painting prints, tableware, bags, books, clothes, scarves, art work, chocolates, food items, glassware, greeting cards and hand made inspirational cards. Did I miss anything?  Every person who set up a table had unique items to offer, and the choices were so many. I was surprised to know many of the ladies actually made the jewellery themselves. They were all so creative. I shall be blogging separately on some of the ladies who have their own businesses. Here are some pictures from the Spring Bazar.

Awesome water colour paintings by Debbie Reeve who also conducts painting workshops and classes

Children's puzzles and toys

Indian Jewellery

Aren't they adorable?

A part of the Spring Bazar

At this table, talented Nora Kafafi was making instant bracelets with beads of one's choice

Art work and costume jewellery by Nerissa Bayani Alford

Pearl jewellery from The Pearl Lady, Lorna Calumba

Beautiful glass decor and show pieces

Assortment of Lindt chocolates by Juhee Sondhi (Zahem and Malhotra)

Traditional Kuwaiti Dhow (small) at the Hashemi II - Marine Museum

The Spring Bazar was held from 3pm to 7pm. It was followed by dinner and a presentation by motivational speaker, Laurie Santos for women. Due to other committments, I couldn't stay for the dinner and the presentation. I was told Laurie is supposed to be an excellent speaker. A big thanks to BLS and all the participating ladies for organizing such a lovely event.

NEED TO ELEVATE YOUR MOOD? WANT INSTANT ENERGY? TRY MAGIQUE DRINK

On Sunday, I woke up pretty late after a 'nap' I took late afternoon. And that felt unearthly!....I wanted to have something  to escalate my moods and uplift my energy. I went to the fridge, took out some watermelon, cut it up, a nice ripe banana, a ripe Badami mango (use Alphonso please),  few almonds and few cashewnuts and some honey. I blended each fruit separately starting with watermelon (and a little honey) , followed by  a banana (with 1/4 cup milk, few cardamon seeds and the nuts)   and finally the mango with some water. I poured the juices individually one after the other into a glass. And voila...my instant energy and mood elevator drink was ready....what shall I call it? MAGIQUE DRINK. Oh I must say, the effects are magical....Clean and Green...! (well, clean, healthy and colourful).

Those tiny white bead like things (top right) in my juice are bits of nuts.
I didn't fine grind them, so I could enjoy the feel of crushed nuts while sipping the juice

 Try it out, its easy...and absolutely wonderful. You just have to adjust the honey to suit your taste. I wouldn't recommend sugar, though I know a lot of people would prefer the taste of sugar to honey. If you really want to add sugar to each fruit while grinding, don't add too much.

WHEN EXERCISE IS ADVISED