
Woman reveals 5 common fat loss mistakes: 'I walked 10K steps a day and still could not release fat'
'I thought I was doing everything right. 10,000 steps daily. Eating healthy. Drinking enough water. But my weight refused to move. Instead, I felt more bloated, exhausted, and stuck. Here's what I realised: Fat loss isn't just about movement—it's about hormonal balance and body-mind-soul alignment,' read an excerpt of her post.
Mankirat further shared 5 things that were holding her back from losing weight faster: 1. Cortisol overload from over-walking:
Walking is great, but too much without proper rest can spike cortisol, keeping your body in fight-or-flight mode and making it store fat. Cortisol the stress hormone, can make it increasingly difficult to lose the extra kilos. 2. Imbalanced blood sugar:
'I was walking, but I wasn't eating in a way that supported my insulin & hormones—leading to more cravings and fat storage,' added Mankirat. 3. Poor sleep, poor recovery:
Walking helped movement, but hormones reset when you sleep. Prioritise deep, restful sleep for true fat release. It is essential to have a healthy sleep routine to rejuvenate the body. Also read | Cardiologist shares 'jadoo diet for weight loss', assures you'll shed at least 7 kg in 1 month without starving yourself 4. Stored emotional weight:
Your body doesn't just hold onto fat, it holds onto emotions. Stress, trauma, and suppressed emotions can keep your body in a survival state. 5. No body-mind-soul connection:
'I was treating fat loss as a numbers game instead of aligning with my body's natural rhythm. Once I worked on my hormones, mindset, and emotions, everything shifted effortlessly,' the health coach wrote.
'Fat loss isn't about punishing workouts, it's about balance,' added Mankirat Kaur and urged her followers to have a personalised approach to weight loss.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
AIIMS-led study finds infections contracted in hospital due to catheter use prevalent across India
Bloodstream infections acquired during a hospital stay due to the use of a catheter are prevalent across ICUs in India and are often caused by microbes having a high level of antibiotic resistance, according to a study led by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Bloodstream infections Antibiotic resistance -- in which antibiotic drugs are rendered ineffective because disease-causing microbes have become immune to them -- can extend one's hospital stay and treatment costs, adding stress to a public healthcare system. Estimates published in The Lancet Global Health journal show that on average, around nine bloodstream infection events occur every 1,000 days that a central line -- a catheter inserted in a patient's large vein instead of an intravenous line -- was in place in the intensive care units (ICUs) of Indian hospitals. 'Central line-associated bloodstream infections', or CLABSI, are preventable infections -- often acquired from a hospital environment -- and significantly contribute to illness and death in low- and middle-income countries, including India. The researchers said that tracking rates of bloodstream infections in ICUs can help countries develop preventive measures suited to a healthcare system. However, setting up a surveillance that systematically tracks infections due to catheter use or other hospital-acquired infections calls for a significant amount of resources and is a challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including India, they said. Study highlights The team analysed data from 200 intensive care units received by the Indian Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) surveillance network from 54 hospitals across the country over a period of seven years. "During the surveillance period from May 1, 2017, to April 30, 2024, 8,629 laboratory-confirmed CLABSI events, 3,054,124 patient-days and 977,052 central line-days were recorded. The overall pooled CLABSI rate was 8.83 per 1,000 central line-days," the authors wrote. Highest rates of bloodstream infections linked to central line catheter use were seen to occur during 2020-21, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, which the researchers said may be due to overwhelmed ICUs, staff shortage and compromised infection prevention measures. The study -- first large-scale observational one, providing a standardised surveillance report of CLABSI in India -- provides a valuable opportunity for a quality improvement-based approach for the reduction of CLABSI, the authors said.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
10 benefits of cranberries and how to include them in the Indian diet
For most Indians, cranberries are still strangers. They don't grow on Indian soil, nor do they sit inside family recipe books. Until recently, you'd only spot them as an imported curiosity, tucked away on a supermarket shelf. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Yet these tart, jewel-like berries are beginning to claim a corner of the Indian plate. Nutritionists are nudging them onto plates not as exotic decoration, but as dense little packets of health. India's traditional foods like dals, millets, pickles, have always been rich in nutrients. Cranberries don't replace them, but they add a sharp, bright layer where our diets often run heavy on starch and oil. Here's why they matter, and how they can adapt to the rhythms of Indian kitchens. What study says? According to the , cranberries carry bioactive compounds rarely seen in other fruits, most notably A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs). These molecules reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections by preventing E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract lining. The same research links cranberries to improved cardiovascular markers, including lower LDL and total cholesterol, higher HDL, and better endothelial function. Antioxidant capacity also rises, helping the body counter oxidative stress. Evidence further suggests benefits for inflammation, gut and oral bacteria, and metabolic syndrome. While results vary, consistent intake shows cranberries as a promising nutritional ally. Antioxidants in every bite City life isn't easy on the body. From pollution and stress to junk sleep and processed food, the wear and tear adds up fast. That's where cranberries come in. They're rich in - a natural compound that helps your body bounce back, fight daily damage, and keep things running smoother. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Urinary tract health Cranberries are most often linked to , and for good reason. Their standout compounds, A-type proanthocyanidins act almost like a shield inside the body. They make it harder for harmful bacteria to cling to the walls of the urinary tract - lowering the risk of infections that keep coming back. For many women, this offers a simple, natural layer of protection alongside medical care, reducing dependence on repeated courses of antibiotics. Heart support Cranberries help keep cholesterol in check. suggest they can lower LDL ('bad' cholesterol) and improve HDL ('good' cholesterol). In a country where heart disease is rising even among the young, adding them is less common and more insurance. Immune boost Cranberries carry more than a sharp bite. Their vitamin C load feeds the body's first line of defense, strengthening in ways that go beyond the usual home remedies. For families looking to build everyday resistance, they offer a practical edge. A small, fresh addition that helps ward off seasonal infections while slipping easily into daily meals. Anti-inflammatory edge Much of modern illness; from diabetes to joint pain and heart disease, traces back to chronic inflammation. Cranberries bring compounds that work quietly against it. They don't announce themselves, but in the background they ease the body's inflammatory response, reducing flare-ups and keeping systems steadier over time. Good for digestion Indian plates often lean on polished rice and refined flours, leaving fiber scarce. Cranberries supply what's missing. Their natural fiber supports digestion, keeps the moving smoothly, and offers a simple counterbalance to the heaviness of everyday meals. Oral health Cranberries quietly pull double duty when it comes to health - even helping . Their natural compounds make it harder for cavity-causing bacteria to stick to gums and enamel. So while they won't replace your toothbrush, they do offer a surprising boost to oral hygiene. Skin and hair The antioxidants in cranberries don't just work internally, they help slow skin dullness and support hair health. For those caught in endless skincare routines, this is that starts from the inside. Light on calories, heavy on satiety Cranberries are naturally low in calories, with about 46 calories per 100 grams, but high in fiber. A handful can keep hunger at bay without adding much to your calorie count, a simple, effective way to enjoy a tasty snack while balancing indulgence and restraint. Versatility on the plate Above all, cranberries win because they adapt. They can slip into Indian meals without forcing a change in food culture. Here's how to use cranberries in the Indian kitchen Breakfast Cranberries slip into Indian breakfasts more easily than most people imagine. Toss a handful of dried ones into poha and suddenly the familiar yellow flakes carry a sharp-sweet surprise. In upma, they cut through the ghee and spice with a tangy pop. Even parathas can hold them, stuffed inside along with vegetables or paneer, turning a hearty flatbread into something playful. Chutney In chutneys, cranberries act almost like tamarind or kokum; sour, slightly sweet, and deeply red. Ground into a paste, they create a chutney that wakes up dosas or gives pakoras an unexpected partner. It's familiar, yet not quite. Curries Drop a small handful into paneer gravies or even chicken curries and cranberries melt quietly into the masala. They don't dominate, but they linger - a gentle sweet-sour note that makes the curry rounder, layered. Rice The way we scatter raisins in pulao or biryani, cranberries too find a natural place among the grains. Their tartness balances the richness of spices and ghee, each ruby-red bite breaking the monotony of rice. Snacks Cranberries earn their keep as snacks. Mixed with roasted makhana, peanuts, or chana, they become a trail mix that is portable, protein-rich, and addictive. Something you keep nibbling at without realising the handful is gone. Desserts Cranberries slip easily into Indian sweets, but never quietly. In kheer, they add a chewy spark between spoonfuls of milk and rice. In sheera, they cut through the ghee with sudden bursts of tartness. Pressed into laddoos, their ruby-red specks break tradition just enough to feel fresh - a twist of colour and bite against the familiar richness. Drinks In a glass, cranberries change character. Steeped in warm water, they soften into a tangy infusion that feels light and cleansing. Blended into lassis or smoothies, their sharp edge balances the cream, turning comfort into something brighter. It's refreshment with a kick, never flat, always impressive.


NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
World Mosquito Day 2025: Diseases Beyond Malaria That Indians Should Watch
Every year on 20 August, World Mosquito Day reminds us of Sir Ronald Ross's discovery that mosquitoes transmit malaria. But in 2025, the message goes far beyond malaria alone. These tiny insects remain one of the world's deadliest creatures, spreading a range of viral and parasitic diseases that affect millions in India each year. From dengue and chikungunya to Japanese encephalitis and lymphatic filariasis, mosquito-borne infections place huge health and economic burdens on families. India has made real strides against malaria, yet other mosquito-borne infections are seasonal regulars, especially during and after the monsoon. Knowing the symptoms, the national response and simple prevention steps can help you and your family stay safe. So, here's a brief but detailed guide on all the mosquito-borne infections that every Indian needs to be prepared to prevent and fight. Malaria: Progress, but don't drop your guard India has cut malaria sharply since 2015, and the National Strategic Plan aims to eliminate it in phased fashion by 2027-2030. Official surveillance recorded 227,564 cases and 83 deaths in 2023, reflecting a long-term decline, though hotspots persist in parts of tribal, forested and hard-to-reach areas. Use of rapid testing, artemisinin-based therapies, insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying remain the pillars. If you develop fever with chills, test early, because malaria is curable when treated promptly. Dengue: India's biggest viral mosquito threat Driven by Aedes mosquitoes that breed in clean, stagnant water (rooftop tanks, coolers, planters), dengue now affects most districts. NCVBDC 's dashboard shows large annual swings and recent surges; 2024 saw very high counts and 2025 has already logged cases across multiple states as per very recent reports. Warning signs of dengue fever include high fever, intense body pain, retro-orbital headache, rash, and-around day 4-6-abdominal pain or bleeding. Management is mainly supportive; avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen unless told by a clinician. Prevention is about community clean-ups (weekly "dry day"), covered water storage, and daytime bite protection. Chikungunya: Painful, usually self-limiting-still worth avoiding Also spread by Aedes, chikungunya causes sudden fever and severe joint pains that can linger for weeks. India documents cyclical spikes; NCVBDC maintains year-wise data and advisories for states. Treatment is supportive (fluids, rest, analgesics as advised). The same source reduction and daytime repellent strategies that work for dengue work here too-because it's the same mosquito. Japanese Encephalitis (JE): Less common but serious, with a vaccine in endemic areas JE is a brain infection caused by a flavivirus usually spread by Culex mosquitoes that breed near rice fields and pig-rearing areas. Most infections are asymptomatic, but severe disease can cause seizures, coma or neurological disability. There's no specific antiviral, so prevention is key. India offers JE vaccination to children in endemic districts through the Universal Immunization Programme; states in the North-East and East report most cases. Seek urgent care for fever with altered sensorium or seizures. Lymphatic Filariasis (LF/Elephantiasis): A long fight we can win Caused by thread-like worms spread by Culex (and some Anopheles/Aedes) mosquitoes, LF can silently damage lymphatic vessels and later lead to leg/genital swelling and disability. India is accelerating elimination using Mass Drug Administration (MDA)-an annual dose (DEC + albendazole), with triple-drug IDA (ivermectin + DEC + albendazole) in selected districts to speed up impact. The Government's 2024 updated guideline notes that about 40% of endemic districts have already stopped MDA after meeting microfilaria targets, and a national MDA round across 13 states launched in February 2025 to reach 17.5 crore people. If an MDA team visits, take the medicines under supervision unless you're medically ineligible-it protects you and your community. Zika: Still sporadic, but on the radar Zika causes a mild illness in most adults (fever, rash, red eyes, joint pains), but infection in pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. India reported 151 laboratory-confirmed Zika cases in 2024-the majority from Pune district, Maharashtra-prompting central advisories and a published national action plan. Pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should be especially strict with bite prevention and should seek testing if symptomatic and exposed. West Nile Virus (WNV): Rare, yet documented in India WNV is a Culex-borne flavivirus; most infections are mild, but a small fraction progress to neuroinvasive disease. India has documented WNV activity for decades, with reports from Assam and Kerala among others, and research updates in peer-reviewed journals. If someone develops encephalitis during peak mosquito season, clinicians may test for WNV alongside JE. Where India Stands In 2025 Here's a brief report on the preparedness of the Indian healthcare system against these mosquito-borne illnesses, and what areas we need to highlight in each case. Malaria: Sustained decline in cases have been seen since 2015; 2023 recorded around 2.28 lakh cases and 83 deaths nationally, with elimination targeted by 2027-2030. Keep up testing and vector control in residual hotspots. Dengue & Chikungunya: Widely distributed prevalence across the nation. The Centre and states issue seasonal advisories and run source-reduction drives. Community participation is decisive with efforts like weekly dry days, covering tanks, and eliminating breeding sites. JE: Vaccination of children in endemic districts continues; surveillance tracks cases and deaths state-wise. Prompt referral of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) saves lives. LF: India is aiming for elimination as a public-health problem by 2027. Updated national guidelines (2024) and large-scale MDA rounds (2025) are in place-public compliance with supervised dosing is critical. Zika & WNV: Sporadic threat but real; 2024 Zika clusters were confirmed by WHO, and WNV has documented circulation. Travel, pregnancy planning, and clinician awareness matter. What You Can Do (Works For All Mosquito-Borne Diseases) Here are some critical steps each and every Indian citizen needs to take to prevent all mosquito-borne illnesses. Stop breeding at home: Once a week, empty, scrub and sun-dry containers; cover tanks and buckets; change cooler water; drill holes in tyre swings; clear roof gutters. These steps hit Aedes hard. Use bite barriers: Wear long sleeves and trousers; apply EPA/WHO-recommended repellents (DEET, picaridin, IR3535). Sleep under long-lasting insecticidal nets in malaria-prone areas. Seek care early: Fever with severe body pain (think dengue/chikungunya), fever with chills (think malaria), or fever with confusion/seizures (think JE/WNV) needs quick medical attention. Public hospitals follow national protocols and testing algorithms. Say yes to public programmes: If your area runs JE vaccination or LF MDA, participate. These are proven, free and safe when you're eligible. India is steadily reducing malaria and pushing hard on LF, while tackling dengue, chikungunya and JE through vaccination, surveillance and vector control. But success depends on millions of small, weekly actions at household level, especially during monsoon. Stay alert, drain that water, and protect every bite.