Quick guide for choosing the right modest sports top

Going clothes shopping can be difficult and confusing. Sometimes you head to a department store with an idea in mind, but once you get there you have no idea where to start. There are so many different styles, cuts, sizes, colors and brands that you may feel overwhelmed. Having an idea of what looks good on you will make choosing good clothes much easier. At Nashata, we have a variety of options for you to get the right sportswear according to your preferences.

Pick the Right Sports Top for You :

LONG & LOOSE

1. Riada Pesaque

Length : Thigh level
Suitable for : Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Colors : Grey | Blue
Fabric : Polyester Microfiber & Spandex
Weight : 205 grams

 

2. Riada Jinz

Length : Thigh level
Suitable for : Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Colors : Grey | Blue
Fabric : Polyester Microfiber & Spandex
Weight : 205 grams

 

 

 

 

 

Which Mom are you? Stylo, Super or Spiritual?

Everyday is a Mother’s Day. Despite of that, let’s Rejoice Motherhood this 14th May when family members come together to celebrate motherhood. You can treat your mom, spend time with other mothers, or you can treat yourself.

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Free Mother’s Day Card

MOTHER’S DAY CARD

As much as we love to reduce use of paper, don’t you just LOVE it when you receive a card or postcard from someone in your mailbox? That is why, this year we are offering FREE Mother’s Day cards for all our customers. You can add a personal note on this glittery card if you wish. The A6 size postcard has a silhouette of a lady in hijab with caption “MOM, You are my Queen”. You can also send the digital version to all moms.

2. What can you get for MOMS?

What you wear is a expression of who you are. Here are the many styles of beautiful moms you can choose from: Supermom, Stylo Mom, Spiritual Mom.

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  1. STYLO-MOMS

    Stylo-moms are trendy, up-to-date and looks youthful at all times.

    Hoodies

    We have got many hoodie styles : Our best-selling hoodie is the Stripey Smokey Hoodie – it is so lightweight that you can wear it for a run in a humid weather. The LATEST is the hooded cardigan.

    Nashata Hooded Cardigan, Stripey Hoodie, Riada Hoodie

    Nashata Hooded Cardigan, Stripey Hoodie, Riada Hoodie: Price Range RM89 – RM159

    What about traditionally stylo?

    Nashata Kebaya Sports

    NEW Nashata Kebaya Sports RM99

    Hooda Racerback Sports Hijab, Raazglove & Amin Extended Hijab

    Sports hijabs that are bright, fashionable and practical are suitable for stylo-moms. The Nashata Hooda Racerback would make one stand out in the crowd – as the sporty hijabi trend-setter!

    Nashata Hooda Racerback Sports Hijab, Raazglove and Amin Extended

    Nashata Hooda Racerback Sports Hijab, Raazglove and Amin Extended : Price Range : RM19 – RM89

    Sweatpants & Leggings

    Monochrome prints with unique designs, be it tight or loose are simply elegant. Our leggings are designed to make you legs slimmer and the sweatpants make you look good while working out, even on lazy days!

    Nashata Leggings and Sweatpants

    Nashata Leggings and Sweatpants. Price Range : RM79 – RM99

  2. SUPER-MOMS

    The ultra tops are made for super-moms who work, cook, nursing, clean, drive around and always need to be on their toes; on the go. Sounds like a stressful role to be in, but when they are geared-up, supermoms in today’s era look simply fabulous! High quality fabric that is anti-odor, fast drying and lightweight keeps supermom comfy and jiffy at all times.

    Nashata Heather ULtra & Zip Up Azeeza

    Nashata Heather ULtra & Zip Up Azeeza : RM129 – RM149

    The riada active pants offers you casual flair and practical use. That is why many super-moms love them. You can dress up in riada pants the whole day at work and while working out and no one would notice the difference.

    Nashata Riada Pants and Skirt Pants

    Nashata Riada Pants and Skirt Pants : RM99 – RM189

    Raazbelt is something useful for supermoms. It gives extra hidden pockets around the waist, keeping important items secure with hands free!

  3. SPIRITUAL-MOMS

    Age is just a number and spiritual moms can be as young as early 20s. They prefer something long, loose, comfortable and do not stand out.

    Nashata Riada Nahl

    Nashata Riada Nahl : RM89

    The Riada Pesaque, Riada Peplum and Riada Nahl range are available for RM89. Wear them with Nashata Riada Pants for modest yet sporty look.

    Spiritual Moms

    Riada Peplum : RM89

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    Riada Pesaque : RM89

    The mumtaz sports hijab is the most sought after hijabs among all – it is long, made of lightweight fabric and so simple that it goes with any tops.

Nashata Mumtaz Sports Hijab

Nashata Mumtaz Sports Hijab – sporty hijabi’s favourite! RM79

RM30 is approximately SD10 and USD7. We ship to Asean countries for RM35 only and it takes 1-2 working days to reach you.

Have a splendid Mother’s Day!

 

6 Sunnah Foods to Incorporate Into Your Diet

Faith and fitness; what do they have in common? I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of connecting our quest for health with our spirituality. This makes out path to wellness much more meaningful and full of remembrance. One way that we can do this, as Muslims, is by incorporating sunnah foods into our diet. Sunnah foods hold so many amazing blessings and benefits. Here are some easy ways to eat sunnah foods on a daily basis.

 

Honey

The Prophet (saw) said, “Upon you is the two cures: the honey and the Qur’aan” [Ibn Maajah]

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Honey not only has a high nutritional value containing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants but it has medicinal uses as well. It can treat nausea, cough and cold and has been shown to be effective against advanced cases of stomach and bone cancer.

Honey can be easily integrated into your diet by having one tablespoon every day. You can eat it plain, mix it into your tea or drizzle it over some toast with peanut butter. It is also popular in baking as a natural sugar substitute to table sugar or artificial sweeteners.

 

 

Dates

Allah’s Apostle said, “He who eats seven ‘Ajwa dates every morning, will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them.” [Bukhari]

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Dates are a very low-fat, nutrient-dense food that provide a great source of energy and a natural sweetness. They contain a rich amount of dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Dates aid in healthy digestion, heart problems, admoninal cancer and more. They are also great for providing natural energy.

I like to eat 1 or 2 dates just before a quick, HIIT workout. It provides me with the short burst of energy I need. Dates are a great, natural replacement for processed sweets like candy or chocolate bars. Lastly, it’s sunnah to break your fast with dates. This is effective because they give you energy after a tiring day of fasting, and they hold you over to perform your prayer before eating your larger meal.

 

 

Citrus

The Messenger (saw) said, “The example of a believer who recited the Qur’aan, is that of a citron which smells good and tastes good.” [Bukhari]

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Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit etc) are rich in vitamin C which can help protect against the cold and other illnesses. They also contain anti inflammatory and pain relieving properties, can relieve heartburn, can help maintain a healthy mouth and act as a natural remedy for bad breath.

Lemons/limes are probably the most common and popular citrus fruits and I personally always keep them in my house. They are great to have around for cooking. Adding the juice and/or zest of these fruits can brighten up the flavors of your dishes. Squeeze some lemon/lime juice on top of fish and other seafood dishes or add them to your salad to make it extra refreshing. They are also commonly used in dressings and can be used in baking as well. You can also cut up citrus fruits and use them in your water for added flavor and freshness.

 

 

Pomegranate

Rasulullah (saw) said, “Pomegranate and its rind strengthen digestion(stomach).” [Abu Nuaim]

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This amazing, bright and delicious fruit has many benefits. It can help to lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and has anti-cancer effects. It can also stem a cough.

Throw some pomegranates seeds onto your salad for a beautiful presentation and delicious crunch. They pair particularly well with arugula. You can also throw them into a blender with some of your other favorite fruits to make a smoothie, or simply eat them plain with a side of nuts or low-fat cheese.

 

 

Vinegar

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “Allah has put blessing in vinegar, for truly it was used by the Prophets before me.” [Muslim and Ibn Maja]

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Vinegar is pretty well-known for its benefits, particularly apple cider vinegar. Vinegar has antioxidants which can help to prevent cancer, it is heart healthy, it may improve insulin-sensitivity and it may help with diabetes.

Vinegar is another thing that I always have in my house, specifically balsamic and apple cider vinegar. They are great for homemade salad dressings which are much cheaper and healthier than buying them in the store. A basic vinaigrette recipe is 3 parts oil and 1 part vinegar. To add more sunnah foods throw in some honey for sweetness and squeeze lemon or lime for citrus flavor.

 

 

Thyme

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “Fumigate your houses with Mugwort, Myrrh & Thyme.” [Kanz-ul-Ummal]

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Thyme is not only an herb with a distinctive taste, but it has medicinal benefits as well. It can help to lower blood pressure, suppress cough, boost the immune system and mood, and is used in many skin care products for its wonderful scent.

Right next to basil, thyme is one of my favorite herbs. I think it has a very warm, minty taste and is such a great way to add flavor to dishes. It pairs very well with lamb and also many vegetables. I like to roast my Brussles sprouts, tomatoes and sweet potato with some thyme and a dash of salt and pepper. Next time you are cooking lamb or vegetables, consider the addition of this wonderful herb.

 

 

 

 

References

http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/20103251958.html;jsessionid=C266DAEDD072D290284CF60877B4E516

http://www.natureword.com/properties-and-benefits-of-citron/

https://www.drfuhrman.com/library/article19.aspx#ref2

 


 

 

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5 Ways to Stay Motivated

If you’ve ever started a fitness routine and quit, you are not alone. Many people have no problem beginning a routine; they feel motivated, excited and ready to tackle anything. But the hard part is keeping that motivation up and continuing on in their fitness journeys for the long term.

Trust me, even those who seem to love the gym life have trouble staying motivated all the time. Here are some ways you can keep your motivation up and actually stick to a routine.

 

1. Set a goal

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to set a specific goal or goals. If you just say “ah I want to lose a little weight” but don’t have anything specific to work towards your likely to fall off of the bandwagon. Make your goals personal. Here are some examples:

  • I want to lose X amount of pounds/kilograms to get to a healthy weight
  • I want to lose weight because my doctor said if I don’t I won’t live long
  • I want to live a healthy lifestyle to set a good example for my children
  • I want show God that I am thankful for the health and body He has granted me

Setting specific goals in this way will really make it about so much more than the number on the scale or the way you look. If your goals are meaningful and close to your heart you are more likely to reach them.

 

2. Schedule a workout time

The key is to make exercise a habit, rather than something that you simply ‘should do.’ You want to think of exercise as a normal part of your day, like going to work or taking a shower. One way to do this is by scheduling a regular workout time. If you workout around the same days and time each week it will start to become a part of your everyday routine.

Sit down each week and plan your workouts to fit into your schedule. If you say to yourself “I’ll try to get my workout in after before dinner time” but have no set plan or time, you’re more likely to let excuses get in the way of fulfilling that workout. But, if it’s written down in your calendar you are more likely to stick to it.

 

3. Make it fun

Although there are numerous benefits to regular exercise, it’s still no easy task. If you do not enjoy the workout you are doing it will be nearly impossible to stick with it. Don’t just do a workout because you think it will burn the most calories or make you sweat more. There are countless different types of workouts to choose from that you’re bound to find something you enjoy.

If you’re a very outdoorsy person and nature lover, you might enjoy walking, jogging, hiking or biking. If you’re social and get really motivated by others, group fitness classes might be best for you. If you like to feel powerful then try picking up some heavy weights.

Variety is also important. It’s not only easy to get bored with the same routine day after day, but our bodies adapt rather quickly and need change to avoid a plateau. Mix it up throughout the week. It’s important to get a combination of both strength training and cardiovascular exercise.

 

4. Find your inspiration

While it’s important not to compare yourself to others, it can really help to have a little inspiration. Find someone who really inspires you, not just because they may be in shape but because they share your values, beliefs and concerns. Maybe they have an inspiring story that teaches you that you can accomplish anything.

Inspiration doesn’t just have to come from people. Other things that can be really motivational, especially during the times when you don’t feel like working out are quotes, motivational talks, or simply just putting on your workout clothes and starting your warm up to get in the groove.

 

5. Accountability

Accountability can be huge in keeping you motivated. Tell your close friends and family about your goals and what you will be doing to reach them. Ask them for their support. Next time you go out to dinner with those friends or have family over for brunch, you will be more aware about making good food choices because they are now watching you.

If you enjoy writing or keeping up with social media you might even start a blog or Instagram page showcasing your journey. Not only can you update your followers about your progress but you will find a lot of support which can be super helpful. Another option is to begin working with a professional, whether a nutritionist, personal trainer, wellness coach, etc. It can help to have a professional to design you a plan and help you track your progress. The fact that you would have to spend money on a professional is also a good form of accountability.

 

So stop telling yourself that you can’t and start telling yourself that you CAN! With some hard work, strong goals, and a little motivation you can start and keep a fitness routine, and it will be one of the best things you can do for yourself, inshallah.

 

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Sticking to Your New Years Goals Part 4/4: “I want to stop overeating.”

OK, here is the last post of this series. Many people who decide they want to eat healthier don’t realize that it’s not just about what you eat, but about how you eat.

The biggest factor in weight gain is calories. Eating more calories than your body is burning in a given day will result in excess weight, whether those calories come from healthy foods or not-so-healthy foods.

Granted, this does not mean I promote eating McDonald’s everyday! Healthy food provides us with the nutrients we need, promotes higher energy levels and aides in bodily processes. Thus, the majority of our diet should come from wholesome foods where about 10-20% of our diet should come from the foods we really enjoy.

Still, we must remember the importance of portion sizes regardless of what we are eating. Here are some quick tips to help you to control your portions.

 

Drink before you eat

Drinking a lot of water throughout the day, particularly right before mealtime, can help you feel full faster. It’s also a good idea to sip on water in between chewing. This can not only help to fill you up, but will aid in slower eating.

 

Fuel up every 3-4 hours

Don’t hold on to the old mindset of only 3 meals a day. If that really does work for you then there is nothing wrong with it. But, in general, people have long days and three meals simply isn’t enough. Snacking in between meals prevents you from extreme hunger which often leads to overeating. If you are going to be out all day, make sure to pack a piece of fruit or a protein bar in your bag.

 

Eat smart

Eat high volume meals that contain the right nutrients. Let’s compare vegetables with crackers as an example. Vegetables have a very high water content, which allows you to eat a lot with very few calories. Crackers, on the other hand, have low water content so a small amount has more calories. Thus eating a lot of vegetables are a great way to add volume to your meals because you can eat a lot and feel full for a lot less calories.

 

Along with high-volume you also want to ensure you are eating the right types of foods. Eating foods that are high in protein and fiber will fill you up until your next meal. Be sure to include protein with each meal, and eat a lot of fiber-rich foods throughout the day like vegetables and whole grains.

Smaller plates

If you are feeling very hungry and decide to eat a bowl of cereal, you are likely to fill that bowl all the way up. Use smaller plates and bowls when portioning out your food to avoid overdoing it.

 

Know your portion sizes

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I always like to tell people to spend one or two weeks measuring out food portions to get an idea of what they look like. From there, you will be able to eyeball it. You can also use your hands to measure the size of food. Here is a general set of food portions:

  • Meat – 3 oz or the size of the palm of your hand
  • Carbohydrates (pasta, beans, rice, etc.) –  ½ cup or the size of a clenched fist
  • Fats (oil, nut butters, nuts) – 1 tablespoon or the size of two thumbs
  • Vegetabels – 1 cup or the size of two clenched fists

This is a general list so always check labels for portion sizes.

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Keep the right mindset

Always ask yourself if you are actually hungry or if you are just thirsty or bored. Eat when you are hungry and find other ways to entertain yourself when you are bored. Also, keep the thought that you can always have seconds. Even though it’s important to follow correct serving sizes, it’s also important that you are not still hungry after eating. Having the idea in your mind that you can have seconds will make it easier not to overfill your plate. Many times we think we can eat more than we actually need so you may surprisingly find that one plate is enough.

 

I hope these tips were helpful. I really enjoyed writing this series.  Many times people tend to hit the New Year hard and then lose momentum as they go.

The key is to remember that healthy living is a lifestyle and you will grow and learn with time. Take small steps and don’t think that you have to do everything in January. You have a whole lifetime ahead of you and everyday is a chance to be better than the day before. No single day will be perfect and that is OK. Keep striving and you will get there, inshallah.

Keep Going

 

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Thank you all for reading. Please feel free to comment below with any questions or ideas for articles you would like to see. I’d love to bring you valuable content that can help you learn how to live a healthy life; mind, body and soul.  

 

 

 

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Hijab Promotes Inner Beauty

Wearing the hijab comes with a heavy responsibility. Not only are we, as women and mothers, the role models for our children, but we represent our families, our communities and our religion. When people look at a Muslim woman the first thing they see is her scarf. Someone who knows nothing about Islam is likely to judge the entire religion based on the actions of that woman. Therefore, it is up to us to uphold the morals and values of Islam as best we can.

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As World Hijab Day is nearing, I thought it was a good time to reflect upon the hijab. I wanted to reflect not just on the importance of the hijab itself but how it has shaped my life, particularly in my field of work as a fitness trainer.

I’ve been wearing hijab for about one year now, alhamdulillah. Of course, the hijab changed me in so many more ways than just my choice of clothing. Hijab started off as something physical. It made me look different. It made me look Muslim. It hid my hair and body. It acted as a barrier between me and strange men.

But as time went on it started working a little more deeply. I began to notice that I was being respected. People were forced to look at my eyes and not my body. I felt proud of the courage I had to wear it regardless of what others thought. I became more aware of my actions and words. And most importantly, I felt a deeper connection to Allah (swt).

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While hijab was helping me in many ways, it was also hard. The hardest part about hijab for me was fitness. As a trainer I thought, “who will want to be my client if I can’t prove to them I have what it takes?” I thought proving I was a good trainer meant showing off my hard-earned muscle as a way to prove I was fit and able. I didn’t think people would take me seriously. But I trusted Allah (swt) and knew that if I had given something up for His sake, He would give me back something better.

As a trainer I had always said health and fitness was about more than just looks, but I never truly felt it. Putting on the hijab helped me to truly grasp the concept of inner health. Of course, I still wanted to look good and be happy with my body, but that became less of my aim and focus. I started feeling beautiful on the inside.

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I was eating better food; I was eating food for their nutrients and the benefit I could gain from them, rather than just eating for low calories. I developed a more well-rounded sense of health; a sense of health that enveloped full-body awareness. Awareness of the mind, body and spirit. Religion actually became a part of my health practices, and health became a means of worship and giving thanks to Allah for all that He blessed me with. And I think that this radiated off of me.

I realized that I was still getting clients. I realized that I now had the power to not only talk about full-body health, but to promote it through my own lifestyle.

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People may not be able to see my body, but is that a true indicator of a healthy person anyways? A healthy person is someone who works not only on their bodies but on their mind and soul as well. A healthy person is someone who balances between food they love and food that is nutritious. A healthy person is some who feeds their spirit. A healthy person is someone who recognizes the issues surrounding this world and lends a helping hand. A healthy person is someone who practices patience, gives their body a break when it needs one, and loves themselves through every step of their journey.

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As hijabis, we have that power to change the fundamental notions of society. We don’t have to live by the idea that beauty and looks are everything. We have the ability to force people to look at our hearts, personalities and intelligence. We have the ability to help other women who believe that their worth lies in their beauty alone. We can promote self-awareness and self-love. We have the choice to use health and fitness as a means of worship and showing gratitude, rather than using it to flaunt our bodies.

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As Muslim women, we have an obligation. An obligation to follow the Qur’an and Sunnah regardless of the barriers our society may put up. Hijab can evoke fear in some people, especially in Western cultures. But if we wear our hijab with confidence and dignity and portray as many characteristics as our beloved Prophet (saw) as we can, we can change that. We can stand up for women around the world and show that health is so much more than our external being. We are unique. We are beautiful. We don’t hide behind our hijab, rather, we use it to blossom.

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Nashata Product tested for Cycling and Swimming

Many ask us about swimwear and we are sorry we do not not have that product range yet.

We got to test Nashata skirt compression pants and Iman sports hijab for two activities today : Cycling and Swimming, and would like to share with you our findings. We have tested the compression pants for running before and those who have tested loved them.

Before you read further, watch this video of Nashata Skirt Compression Pants featuring the smartphone holder, pocket with a zip, flair and long skirt on a compression pants. This would help you understand the key features of the skirt compression pants. The material is recommended for triathlon, so they are good for running, cycling and swimming.

For the tests, we used the skirt compression pants (M size) together with the black Iman sports hijab with the grey headband (M size). The top is not a Nashata product.

 

Swimming.

We tested both items to find out if they are comfort and suitability for swimming. Both were tested for a few laps, between freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke for an hour. A pair of goggles were used during the swim.

Skirt Compression Pants: During the swim, the pants worked perfectly fine. The material is not thick so it was not heavy and swimming was easy.The skirt floated occasionally when the swimmer stood up straight in the water.

Sports Hijab: The material for the current sports hijab is polyester. Hence, it is not the best material for swimming. The material is good for dry use. However, the hijab holds nicely on the head and the material does not float while swimming.  This is because the headband is made of lycra. Swimming with the hijab and goggles on was comfortable. Upon standing up, the swimmer had to ensure the hijab is in order covering the chest.

Swimming in Nashata Skirt Compression Pants & Iman Sports Hijab

Cycling 

Skirt Compression Pants: You can choose to sit on the skirt or sit on the pants while the skirt flair when you cycle. Either way, the skirt covers the thigh nicely so it felt comfortable to cycle in them. Plus the pink does help keeping motorists aware of cyclist presence. What the cyclist like about the pants is the smartphone and zipper locations – at the back, making it easy to take these items while cycling. The pants are not tight from knee to the ankle but not loose that it hinders or stifle you from cycling.

The pants do not come with padding for the bicycle seat, therefore they work fine for short distance.

Sports Hijab: We do know  the hijab is good for cycling, especially if you need to wear the helmet. 🙂

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We do not recommend the Iman Sports Hijab for swimming due to the material used is not meant for swimming, but if you want to use it in the water, the hijab should fit basic swimming purposes.

 

Insyaallah, we will produce the swimwear if there is demand.