natural things that are good for your skin

Quick skin-care routine for working professionals

Busy schedules keep most of us away from skincare. Cleansing Washing your face twice a day is essential and should not be skipped. It removes all the dirt that is accumulated overnight and helps you feel bright and refreshed. Pick your face cleanser based on your skin type, non-lathering ones for dry skin, and gentle foam face wash for oily skin. Toning Cleansers might always remove all the residues, a toner does it better. Wipe your face with a cotton pad with toner across your skin, to see the results. Toners also help to prevent acne, and pimples also to shrink pores. Alcohol-free toners are advisable. Moisturizing Keeping your skin moisturized is one of the most important steps in skincare. BB and CC creams are also good alternatives as they are sunscreen, hydrants, and even as a foundation (keep sunscreen handy and reuse every 3 hours if you are traveling for or during work). Cleansing when you get back home it is important to wash your face with a cleanser and use a toner. If you want to care a little more use an eye cream. Night cream rich in anti-aging and anti-oxidant ingredients is the best. This routine helps to keep your skin hydrated and toned. These steps help you maintain healthy and happy skin. Usage of face packs and face masks occasionally lets your skin remove the dead skin and rebuild.

yourplatform

Destination Travel

Things to do in India for the adrenaline junkies

Are you an aquaphila? Here is a list of India’s water sports that you can’t miss out, and must-try sports. The below-listed activities are fun-filled and a few are adventurous too. Kayaking The turbulence test is not as good as the jerky scene test. Surrounded by lush greenery and a huge cenotaph, Orchha’s interesting waterway flows rapidly on the right side of the Vindhya Mountains and empties into the Yamuna River. The waterway is wide and its gentle currents are punctuated intermittently by grade I to II rapids, giving entrepreneurs an added incentive to experience one of the world’s most enjoyable water experiences. River rafting is one of the trials that make travelers feel like an activity-heavy arrangement. Surfing How about surfing the waves? If that’s your idea of adventure, surfing in India is for you… across azure waters in a game of balance. Join us for this adventure activity to maximize your fun and thrills. Even beginners can easily master it with a little practice. Surfing is not just about surfing boards. There are also variations such as windsurfing. Waterfall Rappelling Rappelling is an adventure sport that uses a rope to descend from a cliff. Waterfall abseiling, as the name suggests, uses the same technique to descend a waterfall. With powerful hydropower, it is a tricky but super adventurous activity for those who want to immerse themselves in extreme thrills. Thane in Maharashtra is a water he abseiling destination. Parasailing Located at the southern tip of India, the pristine beach town of Varkala is a haven for water lovers who find their cheap thrills in water sports. Difficulty level – The level of difficulty is not too extreme as the water sports are supervised and chosen according to the ability of the person. Canyoning Canyoning is not for the faint of heart as it is considered one of the toughest adventure sports requiring tons of energy and endurance. Although many places in India offer canyoning, Dandeli is the best offer. A mix of a coastal town, a hill station, and lots of surrounding vegetation, Dandeli offers some of the best canyoning experiences. Snorkeling During this tour, which lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours, you will surely be amazed by the kaleidoscopic beauty of the impressive underwater world of Andaman Ideal for just about anyone, the fun, excitement, and adventure of snorkeling knows no bounds and is a one-of-a-kind experience! Flyboarding Flyboarding is only recently introduced to the world The adventure sport entered India and is already enjoying great popularity. With something new on the radar, thrill-seekers and adventurers are flocking to destinations that offer flyboarding. One of the main destinations is Goa! Already packed with all sorts of water sports, flyboarding is the latest addition and is very popular with tourists. Scuba Diving Besides the surreal beauty of the landscapes, the beautiful beaches, and the lush green areas, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also pride themselves on being home to a prismatic navy. Life. And to discover the magical beauty of the underwater world, diving at Andaman’s Elephant Beach and several other locations prove to be the most fascinating and adventurous way to get to know the diverse underwater world. Rafting Testing turbulence is not so much testing a clumsy scene. Surrounded by lush greenery and a huge cenotaph, Orchha’s interesting waterway flows rapidly on the right side of the Vindhya Mountains and empties into the Yamuna River. The waterway is wide, with gentle currents punctuated intermittently by grade I to II rapids, giving entrepreneurs an added incentive to experience one of the world’s most enjoyable water experiences. River rafting is one of the trials that make travelers feel like an activity-heavy arrangement. Despite their religious significance, these springing rivers present challenges to test your rafting skills. It’s time to wake up the rafters in you and go rafting in India. Riding through harsh rapids is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in India. River rafting has won the hearts and minds of many, from families, young people, and students to professionals. From grade 1-5 rapids to artificially controlled rapids, rafting is the ultimate experience.

yourplatform

Destination Travel

Best Things to do in India

Skiing In winter, northern states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal lie under a thick blanket of snow, creating the perfect climate for winter adventure sports like skiing. Ideal for beginners and experienced skiers alike, Auli offers exciting skiing opportunities. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, skiing in Himachal Pradesh is sure to get you down. Located at an altitude of 9000ft above sea level, Kufri is one of the best hill stations for adventure sports in India. Of all ski resorts, Mahasu and Narkanda are the two most popular ski resorts in the state. The best time to experience the thrill of skiing is when snow falls between December and February. There are two popular slopes for skiing in Kufri. One slope is 350 m long for beginners and another 800 m long for professionals. Dune bashing Dune bashing is among the most known adventure activities in Rajasthan. One of the prominent locations for dune-bashing activities to visitors in the charming city is Jaisalmer. In India, Best Sand Dune is discovered in Jaisalmer town of Rajasthan State. Desert Safari, is also called Dune Bashing. In India, best sand dune is found in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. There is the famous manner of desert safari- Indian style (on the camel) & Dubai style (In SUV cars). In Indian Style safari, humans discover the desert (sand dunes) by camel with a professional guide and in Dubai Style, humans the usage of an off-road car (VVV). When a four via way of means of four cars begin bashing sand dunes it experiences like we do rafting on the sand and whilst this car cross downwards, this enjoy is 10 instances extra adventures than a large Roller coaster. Enjoy a spell of dune bashing in Sam sand dunes, forty-four km from Jaisalmer withinside the midst of the Thar Desert. Caving Over the last several years, caving has developed into a unique pastime for individuals who like exploring the hidden passageways of caverns. Even now, there are still a lot of unexplored caverns in India. Caving serves as the ideal means of exploring this large terrain since there are so many sites to uncover. Some of the deepest and longest caves in India are said to be found in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, with the longest caverns measuring around 21 kilometres. Camping in Thar desert Imagine resting for a night in the desert beneath the stars after a hard exercise by camping there! Allow the neighbouring river to take all of your fatigue away with its rushing sound. Hear the peace that pervades the surroundings. While Glamping is the newest fad in luxury, camping is a popular adventure sport in India. Numerous travellers are drawn to unique camping experiences like those found on islands, in the desert, beside rivers, etc. When you can be near to nature in a magnificent way, why restrict yourself to four walls? Trekking in Ladakh Those who like trekking will undoubtedly find great joy in their plans to travel in India. The nation is renowned for its peaceful hills in the south and its snow-capped summits in the north. As an extra bonus, there are lovely hummocks in the East and misty hill stations in the West. There are many turns and surprises on the 2000–20.000-foot trekking paths. Amazing daring moments are bestowed to every intrepid hiker. Why not go on an amazing journey by hiking along a frozen river? Cycling in Munnar Munnar is a wonderful cycling destination because of its enchanting beauty and meandering roads. This region in God’s Own Country offers unique riding excitement, thrills, and delights with more than 17 hairpin curves. Travel through the verdant green Madupatty is a tea farm; visit the lovely Anamudi Chola, a hillside next to the Anamudi National Park; and marvel at the spectacular Kundala Dam. Beat the wind when cycling to get both fitness and an adrenaline thrill. Cycling demands strength and physical fitness, so start a healthy routine before your trip. For a memorable trip, keep your maps close at hand and follow the timetable.

yourplatform

Destination Travel

Must go road trips this Winter

Best road trips to end 2022 in the most memorable and best way possible. These roads will make you rejoice, the break that you have been wanting to take and go on a short vacation. Manali to Leh This wintry road trip is highly recommended for professional cyclists. It is an adventurous journey through numerous passes, two of which are over 10,000 meters, through the Indian Himalayas, making it the ultimate winter road trip! People often cover the stretch during Summer, but if you want to experience the winter vibe, this is the perfect stretch. This is one of the best road trips in December. Darjeeling to Pelling Narkanda to Sangla is one of the less travelled roads in India and deserves recognition. Although portions of this highway are covered in clear ice, the sight of blue skies, smoky mountains, and endless snowy vistas will make your trip worthwhile. The roads are open all year round and the snow season starts in October. If you are a nature lover, don’t miss these mesmerizing winter road trips in India. Guwahati to Tawang This attractive road takes you along the white snowy road that offers the best possible views. If driving isn’t your choice, hire a cab. But don’t miss one of the best road trips in December. You will embark on one of the epic journeys of your life. That’s for sure! The views of the mountains covered with snow during December and the rugged beauty of this place will take your breath away. Kalka to Shimla The journey from Shimla to Kalka is only 70 km, but thanks to the tree-covered mountain peaks and stunning scenery, this road route has earned a reputation for showcasing nature’s finest works of art. From unparalleled mountain views to chilling winds through the mountains, a road trip from Shimla to Kalka offers you the best winter road trip experience in India. The experience can be called the best cycling holiday in December. As it is popularly known as the Land of many wonders.

yourplatform

Food

How to make Deepavali Marundhu

A traditional and unique recipe known as Deepavali Marundhu is prepared during Deepavali to facilitate simpler digestion and prevent digestive issues caused by sugar and fatty foods. Following the customary oil bath, the festival of Diwali begins with the consumption of a teaspoon of Legium on an empty stomach. It is a customary component of the Diwali festival and is eaten to avoid indigestion. This nutritious paste, which is made from a variety of components, is often ingested after an oil bath on an empty stomach. This can also be taken all year long to help with digestion. It is typically had before consuming Diwali sweets and snacks to ease digestion and treat common illnesses like the common cold and cough. Recipe for Deepavali Legiyam ingredients 50 g of sukku (dry Ginger) 100 g of omam (ajwain) 5 tablespoons of kandathippili (the dried root of long pepper plant) 5 tablespoons of arisi thippli (dried long pepper) 2 sticks of sitharathai (thai Ginger) 2 inches of grated ginger, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 1/2 cups of powdered jaggery, 4-5 tablespoons of ghee, 3-4 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon gingelly oil 50 ml of water Method Dry roast all of the ingredients for one minute. Mix them and process them into a powder in a mixer. On a medium flame, warm 1/2 cup of water in a pan. After adding it, thoroughly whisk in the jaggery until it dissolves. Use a filter to get rid of any contaminants. Set the jaggery syrup Include the ground powder and thoroughly mix it in. Add ghee, honey, and gingelly oil. Let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture reaches the consistency of halwa and begins to pull away from the side of the pan and turn it off Let it cool and serve it

yourplatform

Citizen Corner Editions

Your Platform Magazine October 2022 Edition

yourplatform

Food

The traditional festive delight Adirasam

Adirasam is a traditional South Indian recipe. It is a delicious sweet that is made by mixing rice and jaggery dough and deep-frying it. Adirasam is a popular traditional sweet in South India and is often eaten during Diwali and other special occasions. Adirasam recipe is a traditional recipe. Making Adirasam requires some skills and techniques. But it’s so easy. Adirasam requires only two ingredients. Rice flour and jaggery. Rice flour should always be made at home. This is because the rice flour for making Adirasam must contain moisture. Ingredients 1 cup raw rice 3/4 cup jaggery powdered 1/2 cup water 1 no cardamom crushed 1/2 tsp sesame seeds 1 tsp ghee Oil for deep frying Instructions Soak raw rice in water for 5 hours, later drain it and dry it. Finely powder the rice, sieve it, and set it aside. Boil water in the heavy bottom pan and add the jaggery to it. Strain the syrup and cook until soft ball stage. Pour a drop of syrup into the water and it stands as a softball and does not dilute or get hardened. Add the rice flour portion by portion and keep mixing Followed by cardamom and ghee and mix it well Let the batter ferment in room temperate for 2 days Divide the batter into small balls and flatten them and deep fry them in medium heat oil and let it cook on both sides. Store it in a fresh container and enjoy the treat. Key areas Storebought rice flour is not preferred, as the flour needs some moisture when added to the jaggery syrup The consistency of the jaggery syrup is very crucial. Ensure, rice flour is added in the softball stage. If it crumbles while frying add some flour to it and knead it and continue

Stuffed-peppers Low-calorie healthy starters

yourplatform

Food

Low-calorie healthy starters recipes

Counting your calories and don’t want to miss out of appetizing starters and yum treats here are a few recipes for you to treat your taste buds and to not add the extra calories. These yummy treats will satisfy you cravings and also let you eat without guilt. Zucchini Pizza Ingredients 2 large zucchinis ½ cup low carb pizza sauce 1 teaspoon oregano Diced onions Diced tomatoes Diced pepper Sliced olives 1 cup mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Method Preheat the oven to 200°C. Slice Zucchini and place it on the baking pan with baking sheet Layer the zucchini with pizza sauce, cheese and veggies Bake it for 6 to 7 mins and season it with some oregano and chili flakes Enjoy the delight Beetroot hummus Ingredients 1 small roasted beet 1 cup cooked chickpeas 1/2 lemon juice 1 healthy pinch salt and black pepper 2 large cloves minced garlic 1/4 cup virgin olive oil Method Peel the beetroot and grind it into paste. Add chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper and blend it further. Drizzle in olive oil and blend it. Serve it fresh or you can store it in the fridge for a week. Stuffed deviled eggs Ingredients Hard boiled eggs, cut in lengthwise 1 diced onions/shallot 1 diced tomato 1 diced pepper 1 tablespoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon red chilli powder ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder ½ teaspoon garam masala Finely chopped coriander for garnish 1 tablespoon oil salt Method Remove the yolk and place them in the bowl. In a hot pan add some oil and saute onions then add the spices and salt Throw the tomatoes and let it cook and completely blend with the spices Let it cool and add the egg yok and mix it smoothly Top the spiced egg yolk on the half sliced boiled eggs Garnish with coriander and serve. Stuffed Mushrooms Ingredients Large mushrooms 1 diced onions/shallot 1 diced tomato 1 diced pepper Spinach Sliced olives Breadcrumbs Cream cheese Salt & pepper Oil 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Method In a pan fry the shallots, spinach, garlic, mushroom stems for about 2-3 mins With this add cream cheese, breadcrumbs, parmesan, tomatoes salt and pepper Stuff the cream cheese mixture into the mushroom and bake it for 20 mins. Baked potatoes Ingredients 5 russet potatoes 1 cup grated panner ½ cup cheese ½ cup diced onions ½ cup diced pepper ½ cup mushrooms ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ½ teaspoon chili flakes ½ teaspoon oregano Method Pierce the potatoes with a fork and for 5 to 6 mins and repeat Add all the ingredients to a bowl. Once the potatoes are tender, slit open the potatoes and spoon the cottage cheese mixture on top of the potatoes Top it with some cheese and bake it for a minute or two and enjoy. Stuffed peppers Ingredients 5 bell peppers 1 cup of rice 250 grams of meat 1 onion (chopped) 2 tomatoes (diced) 2 tablespoon tomato paste 3 cloves of garlic Chopped coriander ½ tablespoon oregano ½ tablespoon black pepper Method Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a pan saute onions until soft. Stir in tomato paste and garlic let it cook. Add the finely chopped meat and cook. Add the cooked rice and add all the spices and cook for 5 mins. Remove the top and core of the peppers and spoon the meat mixture into the peppers. Cover it with foil and bake it for 35 mins, uncover and bake it for another 10 mins. Garnish it with finely chopped coriander before serving.

Spiced-buttermilk Low-calorie healthy nibble recipes

yourplatform

Food

Low-calorie healthy nibble recipes

Craving for your mid-day snacks during the office grind or working from home? It is essential to look for tasty and healthy options to stay in shape, as there is very little physical activity involved in our lifestyle. Sprout salad Sprouts have a very high concentration of active enzymes. These enzymes aid in accelerating metabolic processes and enhancing intracellular chemical activities. Despite having few calories, they are rich in nutrients. It has a high fibre content that keeps you feeling full for a longer time. Sprouts include vitamin A, which boosts hair follicles and promotes thicker, longer hair growth on the scalp. Contains anti-oxidants that defend the body against cell-damaging free radicals and further shield the skin from harm. Contains silica as well, a vitamin that helps the skin’s connective tissues rebuild. Roasted papad Papads are a high-fiber food. Numerous medical disorders, including diabetes, benefit greatly from fibre. Fiber keeps the stomach healthy and working properly. Papad also has a high protein content. It could aid in causing the body to absorb healthy nutrients. Papad is another beneficial prebiotic food that aids in promoting the development of healthy gut flora. Papads are manufactured from lentil flours and are devoid of wheat and ordinary flour, making them gluten-free. This is quite safe for those with celiac disease and digestive problems. Papad promotes healthy digestion. This is because different enzymes are created by the simulation and released to support metabolism. Spiced buttermilk Buttermilk is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamin D if it has been fortified. These vitamins and minerals are crucial for preserving bone density and avoiding degenerative bone conditions like osteoporosis. Buttermilk’s lactose level may be simpler to digest thanks to the lactic acid in the milk. The natural sugar in dairy products is called lactose. Periodontitis has been decreased in association with calcium consumption from fermented dairy products. Raita Increased vitamin and mineral intake may be achieved by making raita with curd and fruits or vegetables. It works as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress in addition to being an energy booster. Cortisol production is decreased by calcium-rich curd, which aids in weight reduction. Calcium and phosphorus are abundant in curd, which strengthens bones and teeth. As they make the bone stronger, they also aid in avoiding bone disorders and conditions like arthritis. Curd combined with a variety of fruits and vegetables boosts immunity and helps fight illnesses. Probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, are abundant in curd and are essential for preserving the equilibrium of the body’s microbes. Probiotics also boost WBC numbers, which aids in the battle against infections. Probiotics included in curd aid in the correct operation of the digestive system. The fruits and vegetables used to make the raita dish also include fibre, which helps with digestion. Consuming curd may lower cholesterol, which lowers the risk of high pressure and hypertension. assists in blood sugar regulation. Thus, eating it lowers the chance of developing diabetes.

yourplatform

Food

Recipes for a low-calorie, healthy breakfast or dinner

Even if you are on any kind of diet, it is important to have a balanced diet. An ideal breakfast should include the necessary protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Missing out on these regularly means you are risking your health condition in the long run. Here are a few delicious and healthy low-calorie recipes to make your breakfast or dinner more appetising. Want to make your breakfast healthier and yummier? Here are a few recipes with no compromise on taste and health. Dhokla Ingredients 1 cup of besan 1 teaspoon suji 1 teaspoon ginger, green chilli paste 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 2 tablespoons curd 1 cup of water For Tadka 1 teaspoon oil 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 15-20 curry leaves Two green chillies 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 1 cup of water For garnishing coriander leaves Method Take besan, suji, and ginger-garlic paste in a bowl and mix them together. Add salt, lemon juice, turmeric powder, and curd to give it a mix. Add water and make a thick batter, then microwave on high heat for 6 to 8 minutes. In a hot pan add oil, mustard, curry leaves, green chilies and let them splutter. Add sesame seeds and water and pour it over the baked Dhokla to garnish it. Ragi pancakes Ingredients 1 cup of ragi flour 1 cup of wheat flour 2 ripped bananas 1 cup of milk ½ teaspoon cinnamon and cardamom powder ½ teaspoon baking soda Maple syrup or honey for garnishing Method Mash the bananas and add both the flour and mix it Add milk, cinnamon and cardamom powder and baking soda and get the batter ready In a hot pan, pour the batter to make the pan cakes and flip it on both sides and garnish it with maple syrup or honey Moong dal dosa Ingredients 1 cup of green moong dal Chopped onions Chopped carrot Chopped capsicum 1 teaspoon jeera 1 teaspoon hing 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon Ginger garlic paste Salt Method Soak the moong dal overnight and grind it in to get the batter Add the finely chopped vegetables to boiling water and let it cook Add ginger-garlic paste, jeera, hing, turmeric powder, red chili powder and salt to the batter Add the boiled vegetables and give it a mix and pour the batter in the hot tawa Flip the dosa on both sides and serve it hot. Oats cheela Ingredients 1 cup of rolled oats 1 tablespoon of besan flour or suji 1 cup of water 1 tablespoon of chopped carrot 1 tablespoon of chopped capsicum 1 tablespoon of chopped onions 1 tablespoon of chopped tomatoes 1 teaspoon jeera 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste Salt Method Grind the oats, to a fine powder and add Suji or besan four to it Add the finely chopped vegetables and rest of the ingredients to get the batter Pour it on the hot pan and add some ghee Let it cook in low flame on both the sides and serve it hot with any chutney Poha Ingredients 1 cup of thick poha 1 cup of chopped vegetables 1 teaspoon of oil 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds 1 teaspoon of chana dal 1 teaspoon of peanuts 1 teaspoon of urad dal 1 teaspoon jeera 1 teaspoon of green chilies 1 tablespoon of curry & coriander leaves 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste 1 tablespoon of lemon juice Salt Method Rinse poha in water for a minute and drain the water Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard, jeera and let it splutter Add peanuts, chana dal, urad dal, and let it fry Add ginger-garlic paste, curry leaves, green chilies Add turmeric powder, asafoetida and onions and let is saute Throw the chopped veggies and add salt for it to cook Once the veggies are cooked add poha and let it cook for 3 to 4 mins Turn of the stove and squeeze lime juice and garnish with coriander and serve it hot.

Blog Post