4 foods you should stop eating right now

Whether you're a diet-conscious person or someone who wants to get into the habit of healthy eating, there are certain foodstuffs you shouldn't touch if you want to achieve your goal of staying fit! We list a few...

Soda

Did you know, soda is loaded with empty calories from high fructose corn syrup? What's more, you should stop drinking soda, because it is known to contribute to obesity and is also likely to increase the risk of diabetes and high-blood pressure in people.

White bread

Made out of maida, white bread is unhealthy because it is, quite literally, bleached! So this process not only rids the bread of its flavour but also of all its essential nutrients. So instead of white bread, opt for a wholesome, whole grain or brown bread for your sandwiches.

Whole dairy

Of course, dairy and dairy products are good for your health, but whole-fat dairy is full of fat and cholesterol. So always choose low-fat dairy and its products, which has all the nutrients you need.

Fast foods

The amount of calories one fast food meal contains is almost equal to the amount of calories one must consume in the entire day! While some of these calories come from protein, most come from the sugar (of the soda) and the fat (usually the burger and fries!) in the food.

6 Things women notice about men right away

First impressions may be made in moments, but they predict the course your relationships follow. So if you know what exactly about you draws in the votes, you can perfect it -- and do better with the opposite sex. So what do women notice immediately? 

According to Dr Gordon Patzer, author of Looks: Why They Matter More Than You Ever Imagined, and one of the world's leading authorities on physical attractiveness, a lot of what women notice in the first few minutes is appearance-based. "A substantial portion of the six features of a man are apparent, in terms of height, weight and overall physical attractiveness," he says. And when appearances don't make the cut, the door slams shut on further interactions. Here's a list of things to keep that door open. 

1. Physical stature 

Yep, you knew this already: size matters. Height and weight are right on top of the list of things women notice. "Too much or too little of either immediately classifies the man as unattractive to women, and closes the door before less physically obviously features (such as confidence) can be determined," says Dr Patzer. Take heart though, the acceptable range is influenced by the woman's own height and weight. 

2. Appearances and attractiveness 

Yes, beauty is skin deep, but it's going to get women to explore what lies beneath. Attractiveness does include what you were born with, but your genes alone can't scuttle your chances. What really counts is what you do with your hair, clothes, grooming and basic hygiene. If you can't make the effort, women certainly are not going to work hard to learn more about you! 

3. Smile 

Once women are done assessing your overall build, women will look at your smile. "The ability to smile, particularly within the first few minutes of meeting, sends a welcoming, non-hostile signal to women," says Dr Patzer. There is one proviso though -- the smile must show off reasonably good-looking teeth. It's never too late to fix an appointment with the dentist! 

4. Humour 

Another reason to show off those pearly whites! Women like men who have the ability to laugh. Even better, make the woman laugh. That instantly nets you bonus points! 

5. Confidence 

Women find confident men attractive. According to Dr Sameer Malhotra, head of psychiatry and psychotherapy department at Fortis Hospital in New Delhi, within the first few minutes of meeting, women will not only suss out your level of confidence, they will also interpret the vibes you give out and how you think. "Women notice how clear or decisive you are and whether you approach things positively." Just remember, cockiness and arrogance are not the same as confidence! 

6. Conversation 

Men have successfully given womankind the impression of being strong and silent. So women aren't expecting you to have mad talking skills. All you've got to do hold her attention. "We know (scientifically) that the more or longer that a woman gets to know a man, the more physically attractive he becomes in her mind," says Dr Patzer. Women are looking for someone to keep up the conversation -- so forget the one-liners, just be yourself! 

Dandruff: Why you should not apply hair oil

Hair oil may soothe an itchy scalp and reduce dandruff flakes, but Dr. Johan explains, "Hair oil has been used in our country as a continuance of our age-old traditional way of moisturising our hair. However, the truth is that the hair oil forms a layer on the scalp that prevents moisture from entering the skin naturally. This leads to the formation of flakes and dandruff because of the choked pores. So, I do not recommend applying hair oil."

Applying hair oil on a scalp, which is already infected with dandruff intensifies the process of hair fall. When hair oil remains on the hair for a long time, is loses it shine and turns dull. So, it is important to avoid applying hair oil on your scalp if you are struggling with dandruff.

Try these home remedies to reduce itchy-flaky dandruff:

1. Lemon Juice solution:

Massage lemon juice on your scalp before taking a shower. Wash your hair thoroughly after 15-20 minutes. This treatment helps to remove stickiness, prevents dandruff and makes your hair look radiant.

2. Aloe Vera rub:

20 minutes before you take a shower rub aloe vera gel on your scalp. Leave it on for a full 20 minutes, and then wash your hair with a shampoo.

3. Curd/yoghurt remedy:

Apply some curd on your hair and scalp and keep it on for at least one hour. Wash it off with a mild shampoo thoroughly. Do this at least twice a week.