Most women would agree with me when I say that we all could do without those crazy PMS symptoms. While a few lucky ones get away with minor mood swings, some of us end up becoming quite crabby and downright depressed. Personally speaking, those hormones make me take up the broom/mop/duster or whatever cleaning aid that I have at hand and go on a cleaning spree. But some of my friends suffer from worse predicament like bloating (damn..do I need to buy another pair of jeans just for those few days?) or they feel the need to keep munching/snacking constantly.
Now, while it is not possible to completely alleviate the symptoms, following a few simple rules makes it manageable. For example -
1. Reduce salt intake and increase the fiber intake - Most fried snacks are high on salt so they need to go off the menu. Also, it is a better idea to replace rice with daliya or pasta which are higher in fiber content.
2. Drink loads of warm water - It flushes out the system and reduces bloating.
3. Include herbs like garlic, ginger and basil in your diet .
4. EVOO works like a magic potion. Do try adding some to your salads and pasta.
5. Citrus fragrance is one great mood lifter plus the juice works as a detox agent. Go leverage both.
6. Exercise or even better, try yoga.
Ok. So, we are done with the gyaan. Lets move on to this simple recipe that actually uses some of the ingredients I have listed above -
Preapartion Time - 15 mins
Ingredients -
Now, while it is not possible to completely alleviate the symptoms, following a few simple rules makes it manageable. For example -
1. Reduce salt intake and increase the fiber intake - Most fried snacks are high on salt so they need to go off the menu. Also, it is a better idea to replace rice with daliya or pasta which are higher in fiber content.
2. Drink loads of warm water - It flushes out the system and reduces bloating.
3. Include herbs like garlic, ginger and basil in your diet .
4. EVOO works like a magic potion. Do try adding some to your salads and pasta.
5. Citrus fragrance is one great mood lifter plus the juice works as a detox agent. Go leverage both.
6. Exercise or even better, try yoga.
Ok. So, we are done with the gyaan. Lets move on to this simple recipe that actually uses some of the ingredients I have listed above -
Preapartion Time - 15 mins
Ingredients -
- 100 gm Delmonte spaghetti
- 1 cup broccoli floret
- 3-4 fat garlic flakes
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp EVOO
- 6-7 Italian basil leaves
- rind of 1 lemon
- salt
Preparation - Wash broccoli florets under a tap. Then dunk into warm water for 5 mins. Any remaining insects or larvae will float up to the surface.
Cooking - Take water in a large saucepan. Get it to the bubbling point. Add salt.
Throw in the broccoli florets. Remove after a min and put into cold water.
Add the spaghetti to the same water. Cook till al-dente. Tip the saucepan contents into a colander and give it a gentle shake.
Put a wok on the burner. When it is warm to touch, add EVOO . Also add the chopped garlic and chili flakes. Just when the garlic starts to change color, add broccoli florets and spaghetti.
Toss for 2 mins before adding the grated lemon rind and shredded (by hand) basil.
Remove from burner and serve.