10 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes – Benefits of Slow Cooking

We all know about the health benefits and advantages of eating home cooked meals, but how many of us really have the energy and time to prepare meals at home after a long hard day at work? Therefore, we turn a deaf ear to our conscience and reach out for the cold and processed ready to eat meals. But, what if I told you that you have the option to come home to the mouth-watering aromas of freshly cooked food every day after a hectic day at work? It can be easily achieved by cooking using a slow cooker.

The concept is smart and simple – just put all the ingredients of the recipe into the slow cooker and let your meal cook for 5 to 8 hours at low heat while you are at the office or busy with other activities in the house. The longer time of cooking involved in this method brings out the flavours and also improves the nutrient content of the meals. Healthy slow cooker recipes can be added to ahealthy diet chart to make it convenient and nutritious at the same time.

History and Concept of the Slow Cooker

The concept of slow cooking has been around for centuries, but the electrical slow cooker was first introduced in the kitchen during the 1970s by the company Rival. Bean cookers were the precursors to the slow cookers, but the popularity of the slow cooker slackened with the invention of the microwave oven. But, with the increasing concern about healthy eating, the slow cooker is coming back to vogue again.

The slow cooker has mainly 3 basic components:

• An outer casing
• A removable inner container
• A lid

The heating coils are encapsulated in the outer casing. The inner container which contains the foods is made of glazed ceramic. As the food cooks in the cooker, it releases stem which is trapped by the lid which in turn creates a vacuum seal between the lid and the rim of the pot. It adds moisture to the food throughout the cooking process. The slow cooker has 3 settings – high, low and off. Modern slow cookers also have a warm setting to keep the cooked food warm till it is served. This device can be used to prepared delicious, simple slow cooker recipes which can be included in the fruits and vegetable diet plan for weight loss.

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Cooking

Cooking your meals in a slow cooker not only saves time and energy but also helps heighten the texture and aromas of the foods. It also makes the meals more nutritious and less calorie-dense.

Increasing Nutrients

One of the biggest advantages of the easy slow cooker recipes is that it helps you have total control over the nutritional profile of the meals you cook. The long cooking time not only makes the meats and root vegetables fork tender but also reserves the nutrients which are otherwise destroyed through other cooking methods like steaming or boiling. In the case of a slow cooker, the nutrients can be recaptured in the sauces and juices produced during the cooking.

Limiting the Consumption of Processed Foods

The question of how to overcome obesity can be answered only through consumption of home cooked foods and cutting out processed foods completely from the diet. And cooking in a slow cooker is one of the practical ways to limit the consumption of processed foods. Frozen meals purchased in boxes add sodium, fat and calories to your diet. But you can prepare these frozen meals such as soups, roasts, casseroles and baked desserts at your home using the slow cooker.

Adjustable Heat

The high and low settings available on the device lets you adjust the temperature for the duration of time you want the foods to cook. Cooking on a low flame for 6 to 8 hours softens even the cheap and tough cuts of meat.

Absolutely Safe

Many of you may wonder if cooking a meal on low heat for 8 hours will increase the chances of bacteria growth. But there is no need to fear because the lowest temperate of the slow cooker is above 140 degrees F at which most Bacteria are killed.

Low Energy Consumptions

The slow cooker requires only a small amount of electricity to operate. It uses a lot less energy compared to standard ovens.

10 Delicious and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

So, now that you are familiar with the health benefits of slow cooking let us look into some of the easy and simple slow cooker recipes that you can prepare for the whole family.

Turkey Bacon and Egg Casserole

Now, begin each and every day with delicious and wholesome breakfasts with these easy breakfast ideas to lose weight cooked in the slow cooker. The casserole can be served with crunchy toast or biscuits. This is one of the easiest slow cooker recipes that require very less preparation time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound turkey bacon
• 1 dozen eggs
• 4 cups hash browns
• 5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add a tbsp. of olive oil to a skillet, heat it and sauté the chopped onions and green bell peppers and keep aside. Now, layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and place the hash browns into the bottom of the slow cooker. Cut the turkey bacon into bite sized chunks and layer 1/3 of the pieces on top of the hash browns along with some of the sautéed peppers and onions and the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the same layering process 2 times more. Crack a dozen eggs into a large mixing bowl and add the milk, salt and pepper to it, whisk until smooth and pour into the slow cooker from the top of the hash browns, turkey bacon, onions, peppers and cheddar cheese. Cover the slow cooker and cook for 8 hours (overnight) and enjoy for breakfast. This recipe makes 10 to 12 servings.

Cheese Strata with Vegetables

This is one of the gourmet slow cooker recipes that contains the goodness of vegetables, herbs and spices. It is ideal for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 eggs
• 1 pound loaf of sour dough bread cut into bite sized cubes
• 1 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/5 cups milk
• 1 cup tomatoes cut lengthwise
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp. butter + 1 tsp.
• 1 tbsp. minced parsley
• 5 tsp. dried chives
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Procedure:

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Place the tomatoes and meat side up on the baking sheet in the oven in a single layer, sprinkle some salt and bake for 5 hours and keep in a container in the freezer. Now, spray the slow cooker with cooking spray, add the eggs to a large bowl and beat, add 1.5 cups of milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, tsp., of salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, 1/8 tsp. nutmeg and 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper to it and mix well. In a separate bowl add the oven baked tomatoes, diced turkey ham, tbsp. of minced parsley and 1.5 tsp. dried chives and toss well. Spread 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on the bottom of the slow cooker. Next add 1/3rd of the pound of bread cubes, next 1/2 of the tomatoes mixture. Add another covering of bread cubes and the remaining half of tomato mixture and finally top with remaining half of cheddar cheese. Pour the egg batter over it evenly. Melt the tsp. of butter and drizzle it over the top of the food, cover the container and refrigerate it overnight. Next day, cook on high heat for 4 hours. This recipe makes 8 servings.

Beef Pot Roast

This is one of the most delicious slow cooker roast recipes that tastes best when served with a platter of steamed carrots and potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 chuck roast
• 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup onions thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup white grape juice
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 4 beef bouillon cubes crouched
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of garlic minced
• 1/3 tsp. salt
• 1/3 tsp. pepper
• 1/3 tsp. garlic powder

Procedure:

Knead the salt, pepper and garlic powder well onto the raw 3-pound chuck roast. Heat a skillet and add the canola oil to it. Brown the seasoned chuck roast and place them into the slow cooker, add the onions, beef bouillon cubes, bay leaves and minced garlic. Pour the white grape juice over the top and place the lid of the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.

Chunky Chicken Stew

This is one of the low-calorie slow cooked chicken recipes which contains the goodness of beans and vegetables, and can be included in healthy 1200 calorie meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup navy beans drained and rinsed
• 1 can stew tomatoes
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 2 cups finely shredded cabbage
• 1 cup peas
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. chopped thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Procedure:

Cut the chicken breasts in half and sprinkle some salt and pepper over it, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, turn to low heat, add the navy beans, stewed tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped carrots, cabbage, green peas, diced onions, thyme, bay leaf and remaining salt and pepper and cover and cook for 4 hours.

French Onion Soup

This is one of the most delicious slow cooker soup recipes that can be included even in a 4 or 5-course and enjoyed for both lunch and dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread cut into 8 slices
• 5 cup chicken broth
• 5 cups onions thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 cans of beef consommé
• 1 packet onion soup mix

Procedure:

Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker along with the sliced onions, beef consommé and packet of onion soup mix, cover the cooker and cook over low heat for 8 hours. Now, pour the soup into 6 or 8 bowls and place the 8 slices of French bread onto a baking sheet. Spread the shredded Swiss cheese on the 8 slices of French bread and place under the broiler till the cheese melts. Now pour a ladle of soup into the bowls and place the hot cheese French bread onto of the soup or at the side.

Shredded Turkey Sandwiches

This is one of the low fat slow cooker recipes that is a healthy option for those trying to lose weight. Turkey, being one of the healthiest natural protein foods which helps build lean muscle mass, is a major ingredient.

Ingredients:

• 4 turkey thighs
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper

Procedure:

Place the chopped onion on the bottom of the slow cooker. Mix the chilli powder, ground cumin, salt and pepper in a bowl and rub it onto the turkey thighs. Place the thighs on the onions in the slow cooker. Mix the ketchup, yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar and pour over the turkey thighs. Place the lid of the cooker and cook for 6 hours on low heat. Once done, bring out the turkey thighs and shred the meat from the bones. Serve the meat on bread or over salad.

Spicy Black Eyed Peas

This is one of the most amazing heart healthy slow cooker recipes which is rich in fibers, derived from the peas and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 4 cans of black-eyed peas drained and rinsed
• 1 can tomatoes and chili peppers
• 5 cups green bell pepper chopped
• 1 cup turkey ham diced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tbsp. seasoned salt
• 1 tsp. minced garlic

Procedure:

Stir together the black-eyed peas, tomatoes and chili peppers, bell peppers, onions, turkey ham, butter, garlic and seasoned salt in the slow cooker. Secure the lid and cook on low setting for 4 hours. This recipe makes 12 servings.

Vegetarian Chilli

This is one of the most lip-smacking vegetarian slow cooker recipes for those of you who are on a vegan/vegetarian diet or those who are just trying to avoid meat. This recipe contains the goodness of beans, and we are well aware of the numerous bean sprout health benefits.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of black bean soup
• 1 can of baked beans
• 1 can of kidney beans
• 1 can of corn
• 1 can of pureed tomato
• 1 cup celery chopped
• 1/2 cup onion chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper chopped
• 1 tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 1 tbsp. dried basil
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. minced garlic

Procedure:

Add the black beans soup, baked beans, kidney beans, corn, tomato puree, celery, onions, bell peppers, parsley, oregano, basil, chili powder and garlic into the slow cooker and stir well. Secure the lid and cook for 2 hours on high setting. This recipe makes 8 servings.

Tapioca Pudding

This delicious and healthy dessert made from tapioca is sure to become the favourite of your whole family including the kids. It is a quick fix recipe that takes just 2 hours to make.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups milk
• 2 cups cold water
• 1/2 cup large pearl tapioca
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 tsp. lemon zest
• Salt

Procedure:

Place the tapioca in a bowl and add 2 cups of cold water to it, cover the bowl and set aside overnight. After it soaks, strain out the water and place the tapioca in a slow cooker. Turn to high heat; add the milk, heavy cream and a dash of salt. Cover and cook for 2 hours, stirring often. Now, add the egg yolk and granulated sugar into a bowl and mix with a whisk. Take out 1 cup of hot tapioca mixture and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Add a spoonful of the egg batter to the tapioca at a time, now stir in 3 teaspoons of lemon zest to it and cook it with the rest of the tapioca for another 15 minutes while stirring it every 5 minutes. Pour the pudding into a large serving bowl and cover with a plastic wrap and set aside for 1 hour. Place it in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

Chocolate Nut Cluster

No meal is complete without a sumptuous chocolate dessert. Here is a simple and healthy slow cooker dessert recipe that contains the goodness of crunchy walnuts.

Ingredients:

• 7 cups chopped walnuts
• 20 squares of almond bark
• 4 squares of sweet baking chocolate
• 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Procedure:

Set out 36 cupcake liners on a tray. Place the chopped nuts in the bottom of the slow cooker and place the squares of baking chocolate over the nuts. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top and layer the squares of almond bark on top. Secure the lid and cook on low setting for 3 hours. After 3 hours, stir the concoction with a warmed metal spoon, evenly spoon out the chocolate and nut mixture into the 36 cupcake liners, set them aside and allow them to cool and harden.

So, what are you waiting for? If you still don’t have a slow cooker, then add it to your kitchen as soon as you can and try out these healthy slow cooker recipes right away.

Uneasy symptoms and reasons for acidity

It may come in middle of the night in the form of coughing and choking, or perhaps at work as a sudden burning sensation, incessant pain in your chest at office after a huge, greasy meal. Acidity has many faces, most are discomforting.

When acid from the stomach leaks up into the gullet (oesophagus), the condition is known as acid reflux, commonly called acidity. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Common Causes of Acidity

• Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a heavy meal and lying on your back or bending over at the waist
• Snacking close to bedtime
• Eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, or spicy or fatty foods
• Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, or tea
• Smoking
• Being pregnant
• Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications

Symptoms of Acidity

Heartburn- A burning pain or discomfort that may move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest is known as heart burn. It is the most common symptom if you have acidity.  The pain can also move into your throat. Despite its name, heartburn doesn't affect your heart.

Chest Pain- Chest pain, which occurs because stomach acid is splashing into the oesophagus, is a classic acid reflux symptom. But the pain can last longer and be more intense than expected. You can never ignore chest pain, especially if it gets worse when you exercise or exert yourself.

Regurgitation- Another common symptom of acid reflux is regurgitation, or the sensation of acid backing up into your throat or mouth. Regurgitation can produce a sour or bitter taste, and you may experience a "wet burp" or even vomit some contents of your stomach.

Pain Worsening at Rest- The acid that is supposed to stay in your stomach is more likely to escape into your oesophagus when you lie down or bend over, causing heartburn.

Pain after Meal- Pain that sets in right after a meal—especially a big meal—often means the stomach is overloaded and its contents have nowhere to go but up. But you may be able to prevent this without taking medication.

Foods that Worsen Acidity Symptoms

Certain foods can make the symptoms of acid reflux worse. To lessen your symptoms, try avoiding:

• Citrus fruits
• Chocolate
• Caffeinated drinks or alcohol
• Spicy, fatty, or fried foods
• Garlic and onions
• Peppermint
• Tomatoes

When experiencing acidity, stronger medications should be taken with care, as they can cause side effects.  And remember; always contact your doctor if you are experiencing chronic and severe symptoms of acid reflux.

10 Best Exercises To Lose Arm Fat At Home – Best Arm Toning Workouts

Flabby or big arms can really put you down and ruin your image! They are hard to carry in a slim fit dress and going sleeveless is a huge embarrassment. Both girls and guys have the same problems with their arms. Girls want toned and slim arms, whereas guys want huge muscles. No one likes saggy arms as they make your arms look bigger than they actually are. It is never too late to begin exercise for arms and the best calisthenics program often include arm toning exercises. It does not just reduce the fat around the area, but it also gives you toned arms. You will start feeling confident about yourself.

Many people have fat accumulated only in this region. The whole body is normal, but your arms maybe on the heavier side. Just follow these simple exercises for arms and you will be happy you did so. There is no need to become a member of a well-known gym and burn a hole in your pocket. You can perform these exercises in your house itself, using the things available. With these arm toning exercises you can make your flabby arms – fabulous in just 2 months. But you need to be determined enough to do so.

10 Best Exercises to Reduce Arm Fat

The back parts of the arms are called triceps and these are the most affected areas on the arms. They are fat guzzlers, they can get really annoying. You need only a table or chair to tone these. You don’t need to buy extra pairs of clothes for exercising. You can do these in your comfort, at your home. So do try these simple exercises to lose fat fast from your arms.

Weight Lifting

This is a time tested exercise to reduce arm fat and have toned arms. It is also an effective exercise to remove belly fat which strengthens the core. For this exercise, you need to select an item from your home to use as a weight. You can use a 2 liter cold drink bottle or a water bottle for this exercise. If you have a pair of dumbbells at home it works out just fine. The aim is to reach out for something which weighs around one kilo. Avoid using something breakable or valuable. It may fall down and break, so be very careful with your choice.

Hold that item with both your hands and lift it over your head. Your arms should be straight, as this is your starting position. Now lower the weight, by taking it behind your back. You need to reach it as low as you can. Make sure that you don’t hurt yourself. Bring up the weight above your head, again. The slower you move your arms, the more toned your arms will get. It is important to keep your upper arms close to your head and ears. Also try to practice this exercise in front of the mirror if you can, it will help you improve the style. You need to do 3 sets of 20 reps, which means you will move the item 60 items above your head. After every set you can take a rest of one minute. Increasing the weight or time after every week will help you to tone your muscles, effectively.

Don’t Miss: 5 Best Cardio Workouts to Lose Weight

Chair Dips

This is an effective fat reduce exercise that not only tones the arms, but also the back muscles. For this workout you need to choose a bed or chair, which is a little higher to the ground. Anything that will be stable on the ground is a good choice. A soft cushion sofa may not be the best idea; it will make the toning exercise harder to perform.

The furniture should be at least 2 feet higher than the ground. You should have 3 feet of free space in front of the item, to perform this exercise with ease. Face away from the furniture and place your hands on it. Your arms should be shoulder width apart. Move three to four steps away from the furniture; keep your upper body straight. This is your starting position. Bend your knees to match the furniture. Bend your elbows and move your whole body to the ground, the aim is to touch the floor. Come back into your normal position. You need to do 3 sets of 20 reps, every day. This is undoubtedly one of the best exercises to do to lose weight fast.

Counter Push Ups

The counter push up is an amazing exercise to tone arms that can be done using a table or kitchen counter, as the focus of this exercise is on stability. You need to face the counter with your arms on the edge of it and your feet touching the base of the counter. Move back from the counter until you feel your body leaning forward on tiptoes.

You need to be balanced on your feet and your back should be straight. This is your starting position. Bend your elbows and come down till you touch the counter. Now straighten your elbows and come back to your starting position. This is a complete rep and you need to do 3 sets of 20 reps, every day. This will tone your arms within few weeks.

Push Ups

Push ups are the ultimate ab workouts for 6 pack without equipment. It is the perfect exercise for toned arms and strong core. The normal kind of push ups will help you to strengthen your muscles. It may be a little difficult at first, to gain balance. It is better to practice push-ups by balancing on your hands and knees (not hands and toes).

First start off with knee push-ups and then you can go in for the normal ones. This exercise will strengthen your muscles and tone them to the maximum. Do 3 sets of 10 reps every day, to get the best results. This is a very effective muscle building exercise, do try it out.

Scissors

This exercise can be really fun to perform and will help you lose arm fat extremely fast. It is one of the best cardio workouts to lose weight. This exercise as mentioned in the name resembles a scissors being opened and closed. You need to begin by standing straight and lifting your arms to shoulder height, in front of you.

Stretch your arms to the side and bring them back to your front, the right hand should overlap the left. This resembles an open scissors. You need to stretch them to the side again and bring them back to the front. This time your left arm should overlap your right. This is a complete rep and this exercise needs to be done in 3 sets of 10 reps every day.

One Arm Tricep Dips

The one arm tricep dips in an effective exercise to lose arm fat that primarily focuses on the triceps – the back portion of the arms where most of the fat gets deposited. Being a powerful toning exercise it can be included in the 1200 calorie diet and exercise plan. The best thing about this exercise is that absolutely no equipments are required for doing it. All you will need is some clear space in your room.

Sit on the floor with your legs and feet joined together, knees bent and feet placed flat on the floor. Place your hands on the floor about a foot behind your hips, palms kept shoulder-width apart and fingers pointing towards your back. Now, raise your hips off the floor by straightening your arms. Bend your right elbow to lower your hips as close to the floor as possible, without touching it. Straighten your right arms and bend your left elbow to again lower your hips as close to the floor as possible. Repeat on alternate sides.

Arm Circles

This is yet another classic exercise for arms that is included in most exercise regimes in order to tone and shape the flabby arms. You can do this exercise with or without weights. Being a low impact exercise, it can be done while following the vegan 7 day meal plan. You can hold two 600 ml water bottles in two hands while doing the arm circles.

Stand with your feet placed shoulder width apart and arms extend straight to your sides, raised at shoulder height. Now, do 50 small circles with your hands by rotating them in the forward direction. Then switch to 50 small backward circles. The backward and forward arm movement tones all the muscles of the arms including the triceps, biceps, shoulders and back muscles as well.

Single Arm Lateral Raise

The single arm lateral raise is a power packed arm toning exercise that helps to lose fat fast from the arms and cuts out the jiggle. This exercise is also effective in strengthening the core muscles. Begin in a push-up position with knees and hands placed directly under the shoulders, holding a 600 ml water bottle or any similar weight in the left hand.

Now, raise your torso up till your right hand is completely straight and your left arm is raised parallel to the floor. Keep your abs engaged and torso stable and hold this position for a few moments. Then slowly lower your body to the starting position. Repeat the exercise by switching the weight to the right arm.

Half-Moon Rotation

Exercises to lose arm fat and tone the arm muscles don’t always need to be high intensity and exhaustive. Even medium intensity exercises that involve slow and controlled movements can also tone arm muscles effectively. The half-moon rotation exercise engages the major muscles of the shoulders and arms – the biceps and triceps.

Stand whit your feet placed hip width apart and arms raised straight to the sides, raised at shoulder height and the fingers together. Begin by keeping your palms facing towards the floor and then slowly rotate your thumbs towards the back until the palms are facing the ceiling. Slowly rotate the thumb down and forward. Repeat it 30 times at a stretch for best results.

Opposite Arm & Leg Lift

This is an amazing exercise for toned arms that strengthens both the arm and leg muscles and stretches the back. Therefore, it should be included in the ectomorph workout plans for better muscle growth and formation. This exercise is also beneficial for enhancing balance and perfecting the posture.

Get down on all fours with your knees placed directly below your hips and palms placed directly below your shoulders. Now, raise your right arm forward and stretch your left leg backward at the same time. Create a tension in your back by flexing your foot. Hold the position for a few seconds and then come back to the starting position. Repeat the same using your left arm and right leg. Repeat 15 to 20 times on both sides.

Tips to Lose Arm Fat and Promote Weight Loss Naturally

Although nothing can take place of exercise and hard work, but following a few tips can help you cut out the fat that has deposited in the wrong places.

• Count Calories – Set a target of reducing 500 calories every day from your diet which will count up to 3500 calories in one week. That is equal to 2 pounds of weight loss per week.
• Drink Water – Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Cut out the intake of sugary beverages and alcohol.
• Eat Breakfast – Don’t skip the first meal of the day under any circumstances, because it will lead to excessive eating during the latter part of the day.
• Set Smaller Plates – Eating your meals from smaller plates will help you reduce the portions and give you the sensation that you have eaten
• Avoid Unhealthy Snacks – Plan your meals in such a way that you don’t feel like snacking on unhealthy salty and sugary foods.

These are the best exercises to lose arm fat that you can try out at home. They are really effective and need to be practiced on a daily basis. You can try all these exercises to lose arm fat or you can select only one. However to lose arm fat faster, you need to use all these exercises. They are aimed at sculpting your arms, so increasing the count of sets every week is essential. Combining these exercises with foods with amino acids for muscle growth will help in burning the fat faster and help in developing toned arms.  Avoid injuries and catches; enjoy a strengthening and refreshing workout at home. Maintain a good diet and focus on the weight loss. Enjoy the benefits of a healthy and happy body.

8 Risk Factors for Toenail Fungal Infection

Fungal infections cause more than half of the world's nail diseases. While you may not find it important to take care until it has caused harm, you can prevent the problems by avoiding the risk factors.

• 1

  Fungus and Toenails

  Toenails and fungus go hand in hand. More than half of the nail diseases are caused by fungal infections.  While you may not find it important to take care until it has caused harm, you can prevent the problems by avoiding the risk factors. Here are some risk factors of toenail fungal infection. Image Courtesy: Getty
  
  
  
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  Family History

  Toenail fungal infection can be caused by heredity putting some people at higher risk of developing the problem as compared with others. If people in your family are prone to toenail infections, you should also be more careful at avoiding the problem. Image Courtesy: Getty 
  
  
  
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  Health Conditions

  Several medical conditions and their symptoms may also increase the risk of developing a toenail fungal infection.  People with conditions such as poor circulation, diabetes, HIV or other diseases that affect the normal immune response may be at higher risk. You should be extra careful if you have a chronic health condition. Make sure that you keep your feet clean and dry. Image Courtesy: Getty
  
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  Boots

  Whether you wear boots for your job or just for style, the poor ventilation in them may gallow fungus a better environment to grow and infect the toenails. Even if you have to wear boots, choose a pair that allows proper ventilation to your feet. Wear fresh pair of socks inside your boots to minimize the fungal growth. Image Courtesy: Getty
  
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  Nail Paint

  Nail paint may make your toes look pretty; however, it can also allow fungus to grow around your toenails. Nail paint blocks light, thus allowing fungus to grow much easily on your toenails.  Avoid unnecessary nail paint whenever you can. Image Courtesy: Getty
  
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  Closed High heels

  High heels also put your feet at higher risk of developing fungal infection. High heels usually put maximum pressure on your toes, blocking proper ventilation to them. Wearing such footwear for long may allow fungus to grow and infect your toenails. Image Courtesy: Getty
  
  
  
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  Nail Clippers

  If you have the habit of borrowing toenail care accessories from others, you are surely at risk of developing fungal infection. Nail clippers may carry fungus from the previous user’s toenails. Avoid sharing your toenail care toolkit and wash it properly before use. Image Courtesy: Getty
  
  
  
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  Running

  Runners also need to worry about toenail fungus as they tend to run longer distances with legs drenched in sweat. Sweat and heat inside your running shoes provide perfect environment for fungus to grow. Choose running shoes that allow your feet to stay dry and clean. Image Courtesy: Getty
  
  
  
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  Tights

  Wearing tight clothes and pantyhose may cause extra sweat leading to sweaty feet. All of this puts your toenails at a higher risk of toenail fungal infection.  Avoid tight jeans and hosiery; also change clothes soon once sweaty. Image Courtesy: Getty