Choose a stylish raincoat this monsoon

With the rains descending down in the city, especially durng the evenings, it is safe to assume that the monsoon is well and truly here.

This means that there is at least one out of two essentials that every girl must have — an umbrella and a raincoat. Now, if you're not the sort who wants to lug a brolly around, you just wear a raincoat, but that doesn't mean you have to stick to a boring old windcheater. Here are a few things to consider if you are looking at buying a stylish raincoat...
Length: You need to first figure out whether you want a long or a short raincoat. The long variety — which mostly comes in the form of trench coats with a sash — comes down to the knees and keeps the wearer's legs dry. This is a great option for a night out. Short raincoats, on the other hand, are usually more casual, end at the waist and may have pockets in the front. They're usually more appropriate as daytime attire.
Colour: The colour of a raincoat can do loads to jazz up one's monsoon ensemble. A bright yellow, pink or orange one is ideal for an overcast day, while neutral beiges and browns work on any day. You can even be a little bold and consider wearing a transparent raincoat in neon colours to show off your ensemble underneath without getting it wet.
Lining: The rain can be followed by a nip in the air on some days, so you may want to have a raincoat that has a lining. Options that have wool or fleece linings are out fo the question in our city, but other kinds of linings work. It's better to wear these at night as they can make you feel hot if worn in the day. Also, some types of lining may add bulk to your figure, depending on your build.
Prints and patterns: If you're the more adventurous type, you can choose a raincoat with exciting prints or patterns, like floral or checks.
Hoods: Buy a raincoat with a hood if you don't want to carry an umbrella around. The best option would be to choose one with a detachable hood so that you have a versatile raincoat.

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Employee tips - privacy matters

At a time when an individual's personal information is easily accessible, it is all the more important to safeguard what one may not want to disclose to their colleagues.

The open office culture, where cubicles are reduced to rows of computers crammed against each other to conserve space, usually perpetuates the 'peeping-tom' syndrome, where an employee's private matters, right from their web browsing records to personal files, become subject to public display. Not many appreciate their privacy being breached at the workplace, especially since employees spend most of their waking hours at work.

However, most employers, in a bid to optimise the office space, tend to overlook an employee's concern for privacy.

PRIVACY FOR PRODUCTIVITY

An open environment at office poses as an invitation to nosy colleagues who are ever ready to invade one's privacy. In many cases, this may hamper productivity. Apoorv Houzwala, who started out his career as a copywriter in the advertising industry, recounts, "I never liked the idea of someone sneaking up on me and peering into my laptop screen or into my notepad while I am busy with work. And many a time I have encountered peers who tend to linger, constantly keeping an eye on what I do. While I managed to leverage their behaviour to throw ideas around or discuss a project, at most times, they only made me conscious about my work, not allowing me to put in my best effort." Indeed, safeguarding one's possessions and work from onlookers is every professional's wish. Simple measures like setting up a lock screen when not on desk, setting a personal password to one's gadgets like their laptop or phone or locking drawers are ways in which you can help you maintain privacy. Even a simple task like keeping one's desk free of clutter helps in his regard. A clear desk will give no opportunity to snooping eyes to dig into open papers, note books, diaries or other documents, content of which one wouldn't want to share.

Also, while one expects his or her privacy to be respected by others, the same needs to be practised. It is a must for employees to practice basic etiquette such as not opening a colleague's files and desk drawers without their consent.

PRIVACY FOR PERSONAL WELL-BEING

Privacy at the workplace, predominantly refers to the ability of employees to keep certain information to themselves. This includes information pertaining to or documents such as credit history, bank account details, information about their financial assets or something more personal, such as, a persons political opinions, membership with trade unions and other associations, religious and sexual preferences, health related information, etc. Thus, the onus is on the company to ensure that such sensitive personal information is handled appropriately.

At most information-driven companies, data privacy control is also an issue. Mukesh Jain, AVP at the corporate finance department of a private bank opines, "In the name of protecting data and preventing leakage of sensitive information, companies impose strict access controls on internet surfing. This practice, although justified by company on grounds of IT security, curbs privacy of trusted employee. It sends out a negative message to employees that is often understood as the company not trusting them and is more comfortable by implementing such access controls."

Clearly, employee motivation and a trust factor depend on how privacy controls are applied by the management.

Offering an employer's point of view, Puja Ashwin Kumar, consultant, Nimbus HR, says, "Professional background checks are important, especially during recruitment. In general too, to know how employees have performed in their previous roles and how well they fit in the company culture, it is often important to dig out personal information that the candidate may not necessarily want to share --that of family, health issues, past personal conduct, etc. But information collected by employers must not violate an employee's privacy.It is also important to note that companies usually keep the information confidential by policy." However, concluding appropriately, she says, "After all, a balance between a company's aspiration and a candidate's privacy needs to be maintained."

By Maulik Chandarana

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How to take good care of your skin

To get a gorgeous and glowing complexion, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind

Drink lots and lots of water
One of the best ways to attain flawless skin is by drinking tons of water. Water flushes toxins from your body, thereby making your skin glow. Not only does it make your skin glow but it also takes care of dry and flaky skin as well.

Follow the right skincare routine
A great way to ensure that your skin stays fresh and hydrated is by following the right skincare routine. But make sure that you are following one which suits your skin type and texture. If you do not know your skin type yet, visit a dermatologist to figure out.

Always use a makeup remover
How many times have you heard beauticians say that never sleep with your makeup on? Well, washing it off with water and face wash is not the only solution. You should use a makeup remover (suited especially for your skin type) before you wash your face. This will take off the entire makeup and will also keep your face free from germs and bacteria.

Use a foundation according to your skin type
Many a times people fail to recognise a foundation that is suited to their skin. And that is the reason why you end up with acne and blemishes on your face. To ensure that this does not happen, always use a foundation or a compact that is a shade closer and lighter to your skin colour.

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5 Teas that make you slim!

The brew that energises can also help you lose weight. Here's how...

It's widely known that just one cup of tea can prevent strokes, arthritis, tooth decay and even keep cancer at bay. While it's regarded as nature's tranquiliser for its soothing properties, the brew also has another great benefit - it helps shed weight. Scientists have shown that tea has high levels of compounds that battle the absorption of fat.

Here are 5 teas that can result in a slimmer you...

Star anise tea: promotes digestion
Star anise, the fruit of a small evergreen tree (Illicium verum) native to China, can be used in the treatment of digestive troubles such an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea etc. One may drink a tea made from it by steeping a whole pod in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain this and sweeten it if required. Sip on this slowly when an upset stomach occurs.

Peppermint tea: controls what you eat
If you like peppermint tea then try and rotate that with a green tea drink as both speed up digestion and thus help you burn more calories. The peppermint leaves can be used to make a light, refreshing tea, which can be drunk either hot or chilled. To prepare the tea, take a tablespoon of fresh or dried leaves and add them to boiling water and let it steep for four to five minutes. Strain and add honey, if needed.

Green tea: builds metabolism
Research says the chemical EGCG found in green tea that speeds up the body's metabolism, is responsible for helping people lose the kilos - it can burn a whopping 70 calories a day! Green tea also raises the level of antioxidants. It's believed the antioxidant catechins in green tea boost metabolism and helps burn fat (can burn a whopping 70 calories a day!) Steeping time for the tea: two to three minutes at 85 Degrees Celsius.

Rose tea: prevents constipation
One of the oldest flavouring teas available, rose tea - made by mixing fresh roses and the bud of the tea - has a major therapeutic effect on the human body. Apart from clearing toxins and beautifying the skin, rose tea contains vitamins A, B3, C, D and E and is known to act against infections. It also prevents constipation and helps one lose weight.

Oolong tea: guards against obesity
Research reveals that oolong, a semi-fermented tea may have a stronger effect than even green tea. It promotes fat burning is said to help reduce cholesterol and the concentration of fat in the body. About two cups per day is recommended. Steep oolong tea anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes, for a more full-bodied cup.

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When cousins fall in love...

What happens when romance enters the picture between two people, who are perceived as siblings by society at large. TOI explores...

Among the many unusual relationships being explored in an ongoing television show, is one of cousins being in love. Although some communities do allow marriages between cousins, it is difficult for most to imagine a romantic relationship between first cousins as they are considered siblings. However, there have been cases where romantic feelings creep in inspite of being aware of the complications. "A short-lived relationship may develop between two cousins, especially when one is on the rebound from another relationship. This happens because it is convenient and closer home," says counsellor Shyama Goswami.

"A relationship like that is just infatuation and does not usually have a definite end, unless the family is open enough to accept it. When a couple realises that their relationship is taboo, it might make them feel guilty. One must ideally step out of this relationship before other siblings or parents get to know of it; the embarrassment that follows may cause the family to fall apart," adds Goswami.

When awkwardness starts creeping in during a family gathering, this is when the couple should realise that they were better off as cousins. "Talk about it, rather than avoid the issue or behave abnormally, as this might spoil many relationships. End it gracefully. Discuss your childhood memories and try to make light of the situation, weigh them against the pleasures of a temporary relationship and you'll find the answer. Do not leave things unsaid as you'll be bumping into each other often; making a clear exit is advisable," says Goswami.

Nonetheless, some go ahead regardless of backlash or implications. Niharika Sreshtha, a PR professional recalls the time one of her aunts got married to her first cousin. "For us Bengalis, getting romantically involved with a cousin is taboo. Tuli aunty fell in love with her first cousin, and soon their families got to know of it. After several confrontations, not only did the families separate, it also led to the couple being ostracised by the community. But they were adamant and got married for which they became a part of a reformist community," says Niharika.

Medical implications
Clinical psychologist Rohini Tirodkar says that if two adults are sure about what they are getting into, there's no harm, but they should consider the medical side to it, especially with respect to having kids. "More than this, there are medical reasons why cousins or siblings are not meant to be couples. Firstly, most siblings and cousins have the same blood group. Even if their blood groups might be different, the physical components will be similar as they belong to the same family. This can cause great difficulty for the consummation of marriage, as people with similar physical components are not medically fit to bear a healthy child. There are high chances of the child being physically or mentally abnormal. That's how nature works," she concludes.

'Marrying a cousin is like marrying a friend'
"Sameer and I are first cousins," narrates Munira Ghani. "Since we've always lived in the same city, we often visited each other on alternate weekends, especially on festive occasions, birthdays or anniversaries. But things changed one day, and we got attracted to each other when in college. Fortunately, this kind of a relationship is not looked down in our circles, and we got married last year. I think, marrying your cousin is not that bad at all, since we are like friends as well as understand and treat each other well," she adds.

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Are you raising a spoilt brat?

Here's your parenting guide to instil the right discipline and responsibilities in your child

Picture this: At a supermarket, your 10-year-old demands that you buy him a box of chocolates. When you refuse, he throws a tantrum and since you don't want to create a scene in front of him, you relent and your son goes home happier. Well, surely, most parents must have come across such a situation at least once in their life. However, have you ever thought of the number of times you've given in to your kid's demands? Chances are that it's more than often and you might be raising a spoilt child. Says consulting psychiatrist Dr Pavan Sonar, "From my experience, I do believe that children today are more spoilt than their previous generation. When we see the behaviour of children of this generation, the basic qualities of attentiveness and respect towards elderly, social manners and discipline is absent in most of them. Abiding by the laws set by parents or society are carelessly ignored by kids today."

So, who's at fault?
According to clinical psychologist Saloni Sawnani, blaming the kid and labelling him/her as 'spoilt' is unfair. "It is more parents' faulty upbringing of the kid that leads him/her to be spoilt. The earlier generation of parents was more relaxed and had more time for their kids. However, with most parents working today, they don't spend enough time with their kids, so they make up by giving in to their demands and as a result, the child is spoilt," she says.

Signs your child is spoilt
Does your child behave insensitively to others? Does he or she want his demands met immediately? "Sometimes, a child might be genetically more energetic than the others, which leads to hyperactivity and you might mistakenly label him/her as spoilt. By five years of age, most children are able to communicate their feelings clearly. So, you need verify their behaviour and channel the aggression positively," says Saloni.

According to Dr Sonar, a spoilt brat is not ready to follow family or social etiquette. "The kid frequently demands money or gadgets. He/she has poor emotional control, throws tantrums, whines most of the times, doesn't take 'no' for an answer, misbehaves with peers and argues with parents," he elaborates.

How to deal with it

Don't label: "Understand why your child is behaving the way he/she does. Hear him/her out and find solutions. Most importantly, don't complain that your kid is spoilt to your family members or guests, especially not in front of the kid," says Saloni.

Know when to say no: Agreeing and giving in to everything your child says sends out a wrong message. Giving in to the tantrums tells your kid that all he/she has to do is cry and whine to get what he/she wants. When you say 'no' to your kid's demands, he/she knows that everything in life has a value and he/she has to work towards something if they want it badly.

Be consistent: During the initial years, you might pass off your kid's bad behaviour as just being cute but in the long run, it could have an adverse effect on your child. So, be consistent in your discipline methods. Set some rules and ensure that they are followed consistently. For instance, if jumping on a couch is not allowed at your place, stop him/her from doing so when at a friend's place.

Reward for good behaviour: Instead of bribing your kid by saying 'If you do this, you will get this', reward your kid when he/she displays good behaviour. "Affection always helps your kid," says Saloni. Adds Dr Sonar, "Abolish bad behaviour by rewarding the desirable ones. Awards should be very small gifts or token points."

Teach manners and values: "Storytelling is a great way to teach morals and values to your kid," says Dr Sonar. Instil values of responsibility, sharing, friendliness and sensitivity towards others in your child through various moral tales. Set a good example in front of your kids when it comes to good manners.

Bond over chores: If your kid is in his/her pre-teens, assign a task every day, whether it is helping you out with the laundry or tidying his/her study table. Teach your child that each member of the family needs to contribute towards taking care of the home and each other.

Set expectations: "Try to understand the reason for your child's behaviour and set certain expectations. Effective communication with the kid is very crucial. Teach them to express their emotions, that is, what and how they are feeling, instead of what they want," says Dr Sonar.

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How spirituality shaped Mahatma Gandhi

Title: Gandhi: A Spiritual Biography
Author: Arvind Sharma
Publisher: Hachette India
Pages: 252
Price: Rs.550

More than 400 published biographies exist on Mahatma Gandhi, undoubtedly one of the greatest figures in modern history.

But this work is different; it captures the spiritual side of a man who played probably the most important role in helping India to become a free nation. The weapons he used were unique: truth and non-violence. This, author Arvind Sharma says, was part of his innate spirituality.

For Gandhi, morality and religion were synonymous. He made it amply clear that what he wanted to achieve was self-realization, "to see God face to face, to attain Moksha". His earliest influences came from Hindu lore. His parents were devout worshippers of the god Vishnu. It was part of this influence that Gandhi learnt to repeat the name of Rama - a Vishnu 'avatar'- to get rid of his fear of ghosts and spirits!

But Gandhi was no Hindu fanatic. He respected all religions equally. The New Testament made a definite impression on him. Theosophy made a deeper impact. He battled for Muslims. He was a true religious pluralist. But "if he did not find Christianity perfect, neither did he find Hinduism to be so". It was his faith in spirituality that clearly gave him the courage to act the way he did on so many occasions, even when it looked as if he was treading a lonely path.

Gandhi would say that the thread of life was in the hands of God. But unlike most Hindus he did not believe in idols. At the same time he worshipped the Bhagavad Gita - calling it his "mother" in later life. Even Nathuram Godse saw Gandhi as a saint - but a saint gone wrong and deserving to die.

The book has one gaping hole. There is surprisingly no reference to Paramhansa Yogananda, an iconic Indian saint whose "Autobiography of a Yogi" (published in 1946) is still considered a spiritual classic. Yogananda moved to the US in 1920 and for three decades preached Kriya Yoga and meditation to tens of thousands. On a short trip to India, he spent time with Gandhi at Wardha and taught the Mahatma and his aides Kriya Yoga. It was probably the only yoga Gandhi learnt. A self-realized guru, Yogananda called Gandhi a saint. I am surprised how Sharma overlooked this important spiritual chapter in Gandhi's life in an otherwise informed book.

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Garnish this Eid with almonds

The vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, magnesium, and antioxidants found within these nuts are important nutrients in this heart-healthy snack. Almonds, do not have cholesterol but have the effect of reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) without impacting HDL (good cholesterol), when included in a healthy diet

The fasting, prayers and introspection of the Ramadan days culminates with Eid al-Fitr or Feast of Breaking the Fast, the most revered occasions for Muslims all over the world. On this pious day people make many delicacies, wear new clothes and elders give gifts to children popularly known as Eidi. However, what makes Eid and even the Ramadan days stand so special are the famous culinary traditions of the festival, such as preparation of Biryani, Kheer, Zarda, Custard and many other such delicacies.

These preparations though very delectable are high in calories and are considered unhealthy from a fitness perspective. Since richness in food is the focal point of Eid preparations, many delicacies can be made tasteful and special by flavoring it with the king of all nuts - 'Almonds'.

The vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, magnesium, and antioxidants found within these nuts are important nutrients that may contribute to almonds' reputation as a heart healthy snack. Almonds, while do not have cholesterol themselves, have the effect of reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) without impacting HDL (good cholesterol)[i], when included in a healthy diet. They are rich in the antioxidant-vitamin E, high in fibre, and are also a good source of protein, magnesium, copper, phosphorous and riboflavin. In other words, almonds are nuts, dense in nutrients and can provide energy throughout the day. They are also helpful for those who are wary of their waistline, as these nuts give a feeling of satiety. Choosing a handful of almonds between meals can be a nutritious way to combat cravings and may help prevent you from reaching for other snack options higher in calories and nutrient-poor.

This Eid people can treat their guests with nutritious almonds which can be served in a many ways, for example they can be served roasted, blanched, chocolate coated etc. People can even gift the children in their families' almonds as their Eidi, to epitomize their blessings and wishes for long term good health.

So come this Eid, make almonds an integral part of not only the celebrations but also your daily life and regale in the jamborees of Eid with good health and zest.

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Compliments your man wants to hear

Here's a list of things you can say to your man, to let him know that you appreciate him and that he's special

Like the ones from the opposite sex, women are accustomed to receiving compliments - from the random guy at the pub to the street whistler! On the other hand, men rarely get a compliment. So fire off a meaningful compliment to your man and make way for a steaming night ahead.

Boy, you can work it!
Tell your man how awesome he is in the bedroom - this one definitely ranks at the top of his list! A guy dies to hear how good he is at the skills he works so hard to perfect.

What would I do without you?
Guys love to feel needed. Whether it is to help you understand bank work or simply open a jam jar — it is one of the greatest feelings for a man that you can't live without them. Cuddle him and tell him it would have been impossible for you to do anything without him.

Crave to spend more time with you
Sometimes you need to connect with his inner being as well. No matter how much you compliment on his looks or his skills - your efforts will go waste if you don't let him know how much you love him and want to be with him. Tell him that it is his innate characteristics that draw you closer to him.

You are excellent at your job!
Praising your guy's brain power is a must! Every guy wants to know that he is awesome at his task. Go that extra mile and tell him how much you admire him for the way he shows his dedication and loyalty towards his work. This one will touch him....really!

You're so freaking hot!
This is one compliment that will instantly lift his spirits. Complimenting a guy on his good looks is okay, but it is a different thing altogether to tell him what makes him so desirable - serve up his accolade, gently touch his body parts to add an extra sizzle to it.

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Eat these to prevent diabetes

Diabetes isn't known as a silent killer just for kicks. The growing number of people falling prey to this metabolic disease has raised quite an alarm worldwide.

Being overweight, leading a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and consumption of high calorie, sugary and fatty foods are the reasons that give rise to this lifestyle ailment. Here's a list of foods that help in preventing diabetes.

Turmeric: Studies claim that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric may help delay if not prevent diabetes. There more research to be done in order to determine the long-term effects of turmeric. However, early result show promise.

Strawberries: Strawberries look and taste delicious. So there's no reason why you should not eat them regularly. Scientists are of the opinion that consuming strawberries helps activate a protein in the body which reduces LDL cholesterol and blood lipids. Both these things play a factor in the development of diabetes. Also, scientists who conducted experiments on mice found that consuming strawberries is beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels.

Cheese and yogurt: By this we mean low-fat cheese and yogurt. Experts believe that the healthy bacteria found in these fermented dairy products are responsible for this healthy beneficial side-effect.

Red wine: Surprise surprise! Resveratrol, a compound present in red wine helps in improving the function of blood sugar by regulating the hormone insulin. However, there's no reason to get sloshed. Drinking in moderation is the key.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon has numerous health benefits. It helps in lowering fasting blood glucose. Also, it is known to lower triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol and improve insulin sensitivity too. Sprinkle some powdered cinnamon in your coffee or toast.

Apples: Anthocyanin, a compound is found in abundance in apples, which helps in regulating blood sugar levels.

Spinach: Spinach is rich in many nutrients which makes it so healthy. A British study showed that consuming spinach daily cuts down the risk of diabetes by 14%.

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Recipe: Shrimp Pakoda

It is a delicious snack and a great starter

Ingredients:
200 gms of shrimp (clean it properly and then de-vein it very carefully)
¼ tbsp lime juice
¼ tbsp roasted cumin powder
Salt to taste
Garlic paste
Red chilly powder
One cup besan/chickpea flour
A pinch of baking powder
¼ cup finely chopped onions
2 finely chopped green chilli

Method:
1. Toss the shrimp with ¼ tsp of lime juice, ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder, garlic paste, red chili powder and salt. Leave it aside to be marinated for about 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Mix 1 cup of besan/chickpea flour, a pinch of baking powder, 1/4 tsp of red chili powder, salt to taste, 3/4 cup or 1 cup of water to make a smooth batter.

3. To the batter add about 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions and 2 green chili, finely chopped (this is optional).

4. Heat oil in the kadhai and deep fry them. The samosas are ready to be served.

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How to organise your kitchen

If you do not want your kitchen to look an earthquake ravaged zone then you need to bring a sense of order in your kitchen. There are simple ways to maintain a nice, clean and organized kitchen

Maintain order: Keep items from rattling around inside drawers by adding dividers in your drawers. Even while putting your cutlery, make separate drawers for different items. Don't mix spoons, forks and butter knives in one place. Keep them separately so that when you need them, you can locate them quickly. If you love to bake, you might find it handy to store your flour, sugar, baking powder, a set of measuring cups and spoons together in one convenient spot. Make sure that you store frequently-used objects in easy-to-locate places in your kitchen. Make sure every item in your kitchen has earned its right to be in your kitchen.

Get rid of clutter: Are you still clinging on to that mixer-grinder even if it's no more in working condition? Get rid of anything that you no longer use. If they are in working condition and you have an excess of them, give away to somebody who needs it. Make an inventory of all the kitchen appliances, cutlery, napkins, kitchen towel, serving trays and the like. Do you really need seven serving trays? Give away whatever is in excess and you see how much space you create in your kitchen.

Waste disposal: Keep a trash can handy. They should go near the cleaning and food preparation areas. And make sure that the trash can is kept dry and clean after you dispose of the waste.

Make it personalised: Like the rest of your home, the kitchen should also reflect a part of your personality. You can put some nice funny posters, paintings, wall hangings or masks to add colours to your kitchen walls. Bring in a feel of vibrancy, colour to your kitchen and see how happy you feel while cooking.

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Snacks on the tracks

When you hop on to Bengal's suburban trains, diversity takes a delicious turn!

Thank you," we say. "Welcome," he replies with easy grace. And grace is something Raju needs in good measure, as he balances the tin can containers, the jostling crowds, the rhythmic swaying at 60 kmph, our curious gaze — almost his entire life, you could say — with the job at hand. He must get the mixture of muri, peanuts, chana, cucumber, onion, oil and sundry masalas just right. After all, there are customers to feed on the train and mouths to feed back home. And daily passengers have long memories. For Raju, the jhalmuriwala on the Up Howrah-Burdwan local, it's a daily test he can't fail.

It's a sultry weekday afternoon and we're travelling on the Burdwan local on a quirky assignment: to chronicle the lives and wares of the hawkers who sell foodstuff on trains. So there's the jhalmuriwala, the tea guy, the egg seller, the fruit vendor, the sonpapdi hawker and so many others like them. Over a week, these train journeys — Howrah-Burdwan and Sealdah-Bongaon — also become a metaphor for our travels into the lives of these men who spend most of their day on local trains. Like all great stories, there is love, friendship, trust, tragedy and redemption. You could call it a pageant on wheels.

Sweet cravings
Gurbadam. Or chitbadam. Or chikki. Or peanut brittle. A sweet, sticky crunchy concoction of peanuts and jaggery. Nirmal Sarkar has been selling these on the Burdwan line for 40 years. His jhola also contains dilkhush — a milky sweet item made from coconut shavings. When we request him to pose for our camera, he does so happily and then whispers to us, "Are you going to publish my picture?"

Check-mate
Competition? Sure. These unforgiving tracks are not without their fair bit of rivalry. Most of the times, the hawkers make sure they are not selling the same item, in the same coach at the same time. But, once in a while, you also get to witness moments such as these when two chholawalas discuss the day's earnings, business, line-er khobor and share a few jokes. All in a day's work, we guess!

Nutty times
Chinebadam, with or without the shells, are one of the fastest selling items on local trains. Along with rock salt and chilli, these can satiate untimely hunger pangs and double up as the best timepass munch-ons. By the way, these can be tough nuts to crack. Do you remember the first time your parents taught you the right way to break open those shells?

A steaming cuppa
Tea in earthen pots. As the country's national drink is losing a lot of its flavour owing to the rapid disappearance of 'bhaanr' or 'kulhar', Kolkata's suburban railways still offer you the nostalgia-filled hot tea at just `3-5. If you ever spot a chawala shouting, "Kharap cha, kharap cha," do not let him pass without buying yourself one. It, by all probabilities, will prove to be the best tea you have ever had!

On our way back from Bongaon, we meet Pradip Biswas, who sells fried stuff. The rush is on the other side now, the Up train, and our compartment is empty, with a couple of people languishing by the windows. We ask him to sit with us and he obliges apprehensively. Till Duttapukur, where he stays, he tells us the most interesting story. He is known as a doctor in his locality and treats illnesses like influenza and tummy upsets. No, he is not an MBBS. He was doing his BSc when family responsibilities forced him to take up a job as a compounder with a leading neurosurgeon in Kolkata.

"It's only been around six months since I've started hawking. I left the job about a year ago and would earn my living as a medical practitioner. But that wasn't enough. So, these days, in the evenings, I sell stuff on the train to make some extra money," he says. But don't people question his credentials as a doctor? He smiles and replies, "These are really poor people. I give them easily available medicines. I do not treat people with serious conditions. It helps my family as well as them."
Earlier in the day, on the onward journey to Bongaon, a daily passenger had offered us an insight into the thriving hawker business, saying, "Bhaat-maach chhara train e shob othe!" He wasn't exaggerating. Hungry? Buy yourself a plate of bun-ruti and omelette for `10. Thirsty? Sip on the desi mango drink in long poly-packs for `5. Had too much junk? Slurp on amloki lozenges that are `4 for a pack of 10.

While freshly prepared fare abounds on the Howrah line, it's mostly packed items on the Sealdah lines. So on your way to Ranaghat or Gede, look out for munchies like alur papad, kolar papad, chhatur papad, nimki, chire bhaja, kaju biscuit (shaped like cashews and have no nuts!) and popcorn. These are bought directly from traders in Ranaghat, says Madhav, a popcorn hawker. How much does he make in a day? "`400. Tar kome songsaar chole na," he shares.

The hottest items are seasonal fruits like guava, sweet lime and bananas. The man with the sweet limes has an interesting way of hawking his fare — "dokan bajar half daam," he crows. Wazzat? A daily passenger explains, "He means his fruits are priced at half of what they sell for in the markets." Guavas are `2 a piece, and kanthali kola are `10 for 4 pieces. That's way less than half, we feel! We also realize that hawkers on the Burdwan route are easier to talk to. On the Sealdah lines, many of them refuse to give photos or talk about their lives. "Visit the union office if you want answers," they stonewall. Is it because the Howrah line is less crowded or more cosmopolitan? Or are there other political pressures at play? There are no definite answers.

Encounters with those like Sukanta the sonpapdiwala, his friend the chawala, Nirmal Sarkar the dilkhush and gurbadamwala and Kartick Das the hajmiwala tell us how prices have soared over the decades. The price of 50 gms of peanuts has risen from `1 in the '80s to `10 in 2014. In two decades, a bhaanr of cha has gone from 5 paise to `5. "I remember selling a packet of sonpapdi for `2 when I started out," says Sukanta. Nirmal, whose dilkhush and chikki are a hit on the Burdwan line, adds, "Forty years ago, there was no gurbadam. I used to sell plain peanuts then. But that requires a lot of labour. I am growing old and can't put in so much anymore. I earn around `400 per day. I have married off my daughter and my son will sit for his Madhyamik next year. I am good."

But it's not always good. Apart from the physical strain, there is also the trauma of seeing accidents. Gojawala Sujit Mondal remembers, "Once, I saw a guy jump from the running train when asked for a ticket by the TT. He did not survive. Another time, a guy who fell off accidentally, made it back with just a few bruises and cuts. It depends on your luck." A decade on these lines can be tough, but, as he adds, "Dekhte dekhte shoye jay. I can't count how many chain snatchings I have witnessed."
As they say, what can't take you down only makes you stronger. The Sujits, Rajus and Nirmals are living proof of that, as is Kartick, the hajmi seller. "Times change, people change, as do their tastes. We try to keep up with the changing times," he concludes.

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6 manly qualities women love in men

There are certain qualities in men that women absolutely dig.

It's not just about being tall, dark and handsome. There are certain 'manly' qualities about guys that can make any woman go weak in her knees. And while you may think it's all about the looks, guess what? There's more. It's a potent mix of both, physical attributes and of course, that all important emotional touch. Here, we tell you about six points you need to heed.

Well groomed
Yes, we said tall but the reality is that height is really not as important a factor as how you present yourself. Just like guys like a women who is well turned out, women too dig guys who ensure that they are perfectly groomed a la Leonardo DiCaprio. The basic funda women believe in is that if you are careful enough to take care of yourself, they can trust you to take care of them. So, remember guys, sloppy dressing, uncombed hair, dirty nails, smelly socks, stained shirts or jeans and the likes are an absolute no-no when you are trying to make that all important impression on someone from the opposite sex.

A sense of style
Women would rather have you splurging on them than on obscenely priced designer wear. So, even if it's a typical roadside purchase that you swear by, make sure you adopt a certain classy and stylised look and maintain it. Women don't really expect you to be a picture copy of a Pierce Brosnan or a David Beckham, but trying to imitate their style will surely up your popularity quotient. Keep yourself updated on the latest trends. Also, just as you have your reservations against the 'nun-type' dressers, women too hesitate when it comes to the boring office type dresser.

Laugh it out
One of the most important trait that woman dig is a sense of humour. Women have more than enough problems to deal with and don't really need the company of another equally depressed soul. Yes, you have your bad days, but it does go a long way if you have a good sense of humour, and clean humour at that. Beware, taking a dig at others and constantly putting others down do not really spell fun for women. And we can't tell you enough how much women love people who can laugh at themselves and their own mistakes.

Show them you care
Women need to be constantly reassured that they are loved and cared for. Acts like holding their hand while walking down the road, watching the sunset, an occasional hug and peck on the cheeks and making sure that they cross the road safely mean that you are proud to be seen with them and care for them. Remember, not displaying your affection openly is a sign that you are ashamed of who you are with. However, beware of being crass while displaying you affections.

A sexy smile/wink
There's a reason why women absolutely adore Richard Gere or Hugh Jackman and it has a lot to do with the way that they smile or that glint in their eyes. Believe us when we tell you that if you look at them and smile like that, it does make them feel very special, like they are one in a million.

Be calm
Woman are known to be harrowed and frenzied. Yes, they do tend to get hyper very easily and that is the precise reason why you need to be the calming factor in their lives. It really doesn't help if you too get stressed out or fly off the handle at any and every incident. Your sex appeal lies as much in your looks as it does in your attitude - women dig guys with a cool and peaceful attitude, the one who is able to calm them down and reassure them that all is well.

rachel.fernandes@timesgroup.com

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Top 15 low calorie Indian foods

Globally, Indian food has a reputation to be oily, spicy and heavy to digest. Is this really true?

We take a look at popular Indian dishes that are delicious and healthy at the same time. Remember that there are certain rules; you must control the levels of oil, butter, spices, cream and cheese. Find out which Indian foods come under the Top 15 low calorie Indian foods list.

Buttermilk - This thick delicious dairy product goes well with any dish and is relished by family members.
Calorie intake - 30 calories per glass

Ragi dosa - A popular South Indian dish that is made from ragi and not from rice. It is still a winner among dosa lovers.
Calorie intake - 87 calories per dosa

Oats idli - Idlis are a great way to begin your day. Again, it is a South Indian delicacy that has Indians lapping it up with hot sambar. If you are going the healthy way prepare the idlis from oats, it is healthy and a great way to start your day.
Calorie intake - 26 calories per idli

Chicken tikka - A hit with foreigners, chicken tikka needs no explanation. It is definitely healthier than chicken tikka masala.
Calorie intake - 273 calories per plate

Dal tarka - Every Indian loves the simple dal and chawal. It is healthy and no longer a poor man's food.
Calorie intake - 118 calories for a small bowl

Pappads - You can fry it in hot oil or pop it in a microwave without oil. Microwave yourself to healthy, crispy pappads.
Calorie intake - 52 calories per pappad

Tandoori roti - Prepared from whole wheat, tandoori roti is baked in a clay oven that gives it a distinguished taste. A healthy accompaniment to Indian curries and tandoori chicken.
Calorie intake - 102 calories per tandoori roti

Tandoori chicken - Indian food is synonymous with tandoori chicken. It may be overstated but it garners a huge fan following across the globe.
Calorie intake - 273 calories per piece

Mixed vegetable curries - You can never go wrong with mixed vegetable curry, but it has to be prepared in at the very most one tablespoon of oil.
Calorie intake - 95 calories for 100gms

Fish curries - India is surrounded by the sea on three sides and as a result, we have amazing recipes that surround local fish. Prepare your fish in moderate masala quantities and low oil.
Calorie intake - 323 calories for a small bowl

Sprouts salad - Sprouts are healthy; add a dash of sour lime and a pinch of spice and you have a great combination sprout salad.
Calorie intake - 93 calories per 100gms

Raita - Cucumber raita is a great way to extinguish the fiery meal and cool the digestive tract. The curds from the raita also contain resourceful enzymes.
Calorie intake - 38 calories for a small bowl

Palak paneer - Palak is rich in iron and paneer is a healthy dairy product. Palak paneer is an all time favourite among vegetarians and non vegetarians.
Calorie intake - 189 calories per bowl

Rasam - A South Indian dish that infuses several flavours from different spices. Chop in some veggies and you have a scrumptious dish.
Calorie intake - 60 calories for a small bowl

Dhokla - A Gujarati favourite, dhokla is a dish made from fermented gram flour that is steamed.
Calorie intake - 22 calories

Lemon rice - A simple dish that does not need a lot of spice and oil, just a healthy dose of sour lime.
Calorie intake - 185 calories

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Exclusive salts for your meals

The Himalayan Pink Salt This salt with its salmon pink colour is extremely beautiful. Mined in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, this salt comes in large chunks just like rock salt and can make any food flavourful.

The Hawaiian Black Lava Salt This is another variety of salt which is mixed with volcanic charcoal and that is how it gets its black colour. This salt has the capacity to turn any dish tasty. Mix it when you are making salads so that it looks dramatic.

The Indian Black Mineral Salt Unlike the Hawaiian Black Lava Salt, this salt borders on the same colour but is greyer. This salt has a mineral or sulfur taste to it and is ideal for making soups, salads and sauces.

The Australian Murray River Salt Unlike popular belief, not all salts come from the ocean. One of the popular varieties of river salt is the Australian Murray River Salt. This salt has a very mild flavour and is mostly used in salads.

Bamboo Roasted Sea Salt A popular method of using salt in Korea, this salt is made by stuffing it into bamboo shoots and heating it. You can use this in any gravy dish that you prepare or you can also make dry dishes using this salt.

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Treat exercise as fun to lose extra kilos

If you have not been able to shed weight despite those tenuous workout sessions, try this.

Treat your next workout as a "fun run" and you will eat less afterward. But if you think of it just as a routine workout, you are going to eat more dessert and snacks to reward yourself.

According to a fascinating study, some exercisers have a tendency to reward themselves by overeating after their workout.

"Do whatever you can to make your workout fun. Play music, watch a video, or simply be grateful that you are working out instead of working in the office," said Brian Wansink, director of the food and brand lab at Cornell University.

The new findings involved two studies where adults were led on a two km walk around a small lake and were either told it was going to be an exercise walk or a scenic walk.

In the first study, 56 adults completed their walk and were then given lunch.

Those who believed they had been on an exercise walk served and ate 35 percent more chocolate pudding for dessert than those who believed they had been on a scenic walk.

In the second study, 46 adults were given mid-afternoon snacks after their walk.

Those thinking they had taken an exercise walk ate 206 more calories which was over twice as much - 124 percent more - than those who had been told they were on a scenic walk.

"Viewing their walk as exercise led them to be less happy and more fatigued, says Carolina Werle, a professor at Grenoble Ecole de Management in France.

The study was published in the journal Marketing Letters.

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Satellite city is high on pet care and animal rescue

The city has an abundance of pets — right from dogs, cats to some unique animals.

In fact, there are so many people who own multiple breeds and take care of each of them passionately. Not just pet owners, the city also houses several animal right activists

who work towards the safety of animals as well as reptiles. They rescue animals across various nodes and help give them a better place.

Shailesh Khoatkar, an animal activist from Kharghar, has by himself rescued several reptiles from various nodes in the city. He has been a volunteer in this mission of saving animals since many years now. Khoatkar has rescued more than 5000 animals as of now, including cattle, snakes, chameleons, etc. "Navi Mumbai indeed has a lot of animal lovers. There are several people who don't just own pets but also like to help animals when in crisis. The city is extremely passionate about animals, hence we have many unpaid volunteers who work selflessly in order to create awareness as well as recue animals on a regular basis.

PB Adsul, a prominent veterinary surgeon and retd. in-charge of Bai Sakrabai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals, Parel says that Navi Mumbai is indeed high on pets. "There are so many pet owners in the city, and they are very passionate about animal care. The city has a special place for animals, and hence a veterinary hospital will come as a blessing to this city. Since the hospital in Parel would get extremely overworked and crowded as animals across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Lonavala and nearby places would all flock to this hospital, as it was the only option then," says Adsul.

Pet owners heave a sigh of relief with the news of a new hospital to come up in the city. Believe it or not, Vashi resident Geeta Mahadevan owns five cats. She owns them from the time she remembers growing up. "They've always been with me and have followed me to my house even after marriage. I cannot imagine my life without them. Having an animal hospital will be a boon for animals in the city. This will, in fact, encourage many others to have pets, as pet care will now be easily available and accessible," says Geeta.

Belapur resident Vidushi Gupta owns a 10-year-old rottweiler and says that she has an amazing chemistry with her. "No one can touch me in front of him; he is a gunda. But at the same time, he is extremely adorable, loves to eats mangoes and ice-creams. I often arrange for ice-cream parties for him by calling over my friends as well as fellow pet owners."

And now a hospital
Navi Mumbai will soon have its own veterinary hospital. CIDCO has allotted them a 2000 sq. metre-plot in sector 9E, Kalamboli to an animal rights NGO to build the city's first veterinary hospital. The project is expected to be completed in two years. Chaired by Maneka Gandhi, this hospital will have state-of-the-art facilities and equipments. In fact, the hospital also aims at providing round-the-clock facilities in many of its services like X-ray, CT scans, pathology, etc. The NGO is working with several animal hospitals abroad on how to create a structure with multiple floors and the best of care units. In fact the hospital is also planning to house a small unit for wild life rescue.

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Eating for the game!

Love sports? Here's what you should snack on before every game If you enjoy playing a game regularly -be it football, cricket, tennis or golf -your energy requirements will be different from people who have a more sedentary lifestyle.

You have to maintain a certain level of physical fitness to increase your energy requirements. Follow a diet that is specific to your game. Active people need a nutrient-rich diet. Since snacks account for a significant proportion of your daily food intake, you need to wisely choose those between-meal noshes. Says fitness expert Leena Mogre, "For active people, I recommend oatmeal porridge with black raisins and cherries (great antioxidants), as gruelling physical activities release free radicals. Antioxidants are good. They can also snack on sweet potato, which has complex carbs and gives sustained energy.Bananas are also a great source of energy. Also, add chia seeds and flax seeds to your salads, as they are rich in B12 and Omega-3 fatty acids."

SPORTS-SPECIFIC SNACKING
Football, volleyball and basketball: Since these games require quick bursts of energy, eat snacks that have more "staying" power to keep you full longer, especially during practice. Try some mini-sandwiches made out of whole grain crackers or snack on honey-roasted cashews and homemade popcorn. Says Sunil Chetri, captain of the Indian football team, "I ensure half my plate is filled with vegetables. I need carbs, so my meal has 25 per cent rice or pasta and 25 per cent chicken or fish. Before a match, I eat a high-carb diet, which is low in protein and fibre. I eat cereals with low-fat milk. Once in a while, I also munch on energy bars."

Running, swimming and cycling: For prolonged activities like these, sports nutritionist Neeraj Mehta suggests, "You need snacks which are high in protein and healthy fats, which give more energy. Banana, milk, oatmeal and lean protein are good examples. Add fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts as they are rich in antioxidants. You should also drink fluids every 30 minutes. Drink different fluids to prevent dehydration. Post game, eat carbohydrates within 30 minutes."

Cricket: Cricketers need low glycemic index carbs, which supply energy for a longer duration. Add fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet.

WHY YOU NEED A SPECIAL DIET
The importance of eating properly after training or playing is often overlooked. The emphasis on food should be both pre-game and post-game. You need to eat more and at regular intervals in the day, because you burn more calories. Also, eating the right foods will help heal any sports-related injury. Says Kiran Sawhney, fitness trainer, "Refuelling and recharging for sportspersons is different; they require high-energy snacks. So you need to stock up on foods with potassium, sodium and carbohydrates."

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Who wants to be a millionaire?

Flitting between England, Dubai and Mumbai, Arfeen Khan coaches clients in the art of making, retaining and multiplying money. He is a life and financial coach rolled into one, and the author of The Secret Millionaire Blueprint. In the 17 years that he has been a coach, Khan says 80 per cent of people he has encountered have grown up believing either that money is hard to make, or that it is the root of all evil. "These thoughts are rooted deep in our subconscious, and have overtaken our thinking," he says, asking, "What's wrong with making money? Stop feeling guilty if you desire to make loads of it."

The workshop he conducted in Mumbai over the weekend saw him address corporates, young professionals, homemakers and students, sharing with them the million dollar thinker's blueprint."If fear, lack of clarity and knowledge are reversed, you are on your way to being a financial genius," he promises.

Here's the Khan's blueprint, designed for Mirror readers.

Chase clarity

Nine out of 10 people, says Khan, have no idea what they will do with their lives. "It's always, `I want to make money, enjoy time with family and go on a few holidays a year'," he shares.Interestingly, every rich and successful person you'll meet will be clear about goals to achieve.The problem, he believes, is linked to confused identity. "When you ask them, `Who are you?' they'll tell you what they do.

Very few end up describing their character."

Define your circle

People you associate yourself with have a profound impact on how you will think and behave. It's important then to choose your circle of influence judiciously. This doesn't mean you stalk those with an eight-figure bank balance. "Not every successful person has money to show for it," argues Khan. "But they are happy, contended, comfortable and good at what they do."

Your associate could be a storyteller, musician or an artist, not making pots of money, but still very successful. Learn from their skill set, and apply it to your life.

Find a compelling reason

Look at the successful Richard Branson, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi. They didn't just have a reason; they had a `compel ling' reason, and it helped them achieve success in whatever they were seeking. "You must wake up in the morning thinking about that compelling reason to motivate you. It's what'll drive you to go to work. It has to be a reason more compelling than, `because it pays my bills'," he says.

Turn into a money manager

All monetarily successful people have great money managing skills. "But investing money is not enough", says Khan. "You have to be specific, and have clarity on what you'd like to do with the cash at hand. Rich people know exactly how and when to invest in the right assets," Khan observes. Everyone who is financially successful

By Reema Gehi

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How often should you eat?

Three meals a day or eight? TOI speaks to experts who seem to have contrary opinions.

In our race to be the biggest loser, most of us go after different diets. The trusted and age-old three-meals-a-day concept works for some, while others swear by the new-age eight-meals-a-day. Most of us have been brought up on the notion that having untimely in-between meal snacks, is one of the major causes of weight gain. Of late, however, a number of trainers, nutritionists and dieticians have come up with the 'six-to-eight-meals-a-day' plan. And many Bollywood actors and actresses claim that following such diets have made them the biggest losers.

They believe that in-between snacks help them stay slim and this regular intake also boosts metabolism. However, there are health gurus and trainers who believe that eating too many meals may just work against you and increase your weight. Read on to find out what the experts have to say...

Eat six to eight meals a day

Eat to burn! This can be one of the easiest and most reliable ways to ensure fat loss. Digestion itself is a calorie-burning activity. For every calorie you ingest, your body uses some to burn what you are eating. The question is, how do you make this wonderful feature of your body work for you? This is the essential principle behind the practice of frequent eating where eating at shorter intervals (six to eight meals a day or more!) enables your body to use more calories to aid digestion. When you constantly provide fuel to your body, it means you are also tickling your body to work. Keep working, keep burning. This is called the thermogenic effect of food and it is not only an incredibly smart way of losing weight, it also helps you increase your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate).

I like to call this the Internal Workout — because by continually making it work for digestion, you're giving your body a workout. And while you may not be able to see the furious digestive activity going on in your body at any point in time, trust me, your body is working way harder than if you eat at longer intervals (three-to-four meals a day).

- says Pooja Makhija, Consulting Nutritionist and Clinical Dietitian

More meals means less stored fat

Eating six to eight meals a day rather than three, is better because it boosts metabolism, controls blood sugar levels and helps in weight management.

Consuming three meals increases the likelihood that one will start an exercise regime with a low blood sugar level. For instance, if we eat lunch around noon, generally our second meal of the day, we would not have much energy for an optimal, calorie-burning workout in the evening.

On the other hand, if we follow a six-meal-a-day plan and have a small meal around noon and another meal around 3 pm, our blood sugar level would be more stable, providing us with more energy for our workout. Cortisol, a hormone, breaks down body fat. However, if we eat a large, high-calorie meal, cortisol is produced in large quantities, but transports the fat from under the skin to deep within the abdominal cavity. This increases the risk of chronic diseases including abdominal obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Incorporating a six-meal-a-day plan into one's routine decreases the magnitude of cortisol production.

Eating within 30 minutes of every exercise session enables our muscles to maximally replenish the glucose we used during the workout. Consuming another meal two hours after the post-workout meal further enhances post-exercise recovery and replenishment.

Eating every three-to-four hours can ward off hunger and prevent binges that lead to weight gain. It also maintains metabolism and can help regulate proper digestion to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort.

When people consume the same number of calories in one single daily meal rather than three, they show significant increase in blood pressure, total cholesterol levels and levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol.

Eight meals increase our energy levels, accelerate muscle growth, and speed up our metabolism without storing fat. In fact, frequent eating will actually allow us to eat up to 50 per cent more calories without storing an ounce of it as fat.

- says Dr Shikha Sharma, MBBS Doctor and Wellness Expert

Follow your hunger, don't eat mechanically

It is very important to understand the circadian rhythm of the body. As per our ancient science, Ayurveda, it is all about appropriate time for appropriate food in appropriate quantity.

It is also important to understand that the body needs time to utilise the fuels released from our food. Our body has its own natural rhythm which is as follows:

- 12 pm to 8 pm is the ideal period for human digestive capability. So, most nutrients must be consumed at this time.

- 8 pm to 4 am is assimilation time, where the body begins to slow down.

- 4 am to 12 pm is elimination time/detox time, if you are following a proper and disciplined lifestyle.

The body's digestive process slows down after sunset as the energy on that side of the earth is ebbing. So, all the food eaten post sunset becomes difficult to digest. The later you eat, you must make sure to choose your food sensibly.

The thumb rule of eating small meals six to seven times a day, which occidental science suggests is rooted only in the shallow system of addressing the BMR / calorie counting.

Even the book Fit For Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond suggests the vedic principles of food discipline.

Always remember, to never eat by the rule of the thumb. Go by the bio-feedback and follow your hunger needs. Hunger is the need of the body, and appetite for more meals, is the greed of the body. Eating mechanically should never be the case. Eat with awareness as you are not only consuming cosmic energy but cosmic intelligence too.

- says Mickey Mehta, Holistic Health Guru

Our body was always accustomed to being fed at regular intervals

There is this common perception that I have come up with this radical idea of multiple meals a day. But most of us, apart from the three main meals, have always eaten in between, just that we never thought of those as "meals", a terminology of the new age nutrition. By default, the body was and is accustomed to being fed at regular intervals as evident in newborn babies who need to be fed constantly. At the basic physiological level, this ensures a steady level of blood sugar in our body and sends a signal that 'all is well' and it can continue with its regular processes. On the other hand, not eating for long hours sends the body into a state of panic and it reacts by converting food into fat for any eventuality (read — scarcity of food).

The act of eating often during the day can only happen when communication is established with the stomach, the biggest diet guru on earth. This process is facilitated by the four principles of eating right.

Eating as soon as we are awake kickstarts our metabolic rate and signals our bodies that our nightly fast is broken. Tea, coffee, or any other stimulant, does the exact opposite by suppressing the signals of hunger.

Eating at regular intervals post this reassures our bodies that nourishment is readily available and that it no longer has to convert every meal into future fuel i.e. fat.

Eating more when we are more active and less when less active will happen naturally once we are in tune with our appetite. Everybody is unique so we can't standardise the number of meals a day. For most of us there is the call of hunger every two-three hours. It is up to us whether we want to listen to it or ignore it.

Of course, as all good things come to an end, eating the last meal of the day a few hours prior to bedtime allows our body to digest and assimilate all the nutrients it needs before focusing on its essential function of recovery during our sleep. If the last meal is too heavy or eaten too close to bedtime, the body will be unable to carry out its recovery and thus will leave us feeling uncomfortable the next day.
- says Rujuta Diwekar Celebrity nutritionist and author

'Breakfast kickstarts your metabolism' is utter nonsense

London-based personal trainer Venice A Fulton negates the notion of six-to-eight meals a day and says that one should only eat three good meals a day and no in-between snacks. In his book Six weeks to OMG: Get Skinnier Than All Your Friends. Venice (real name Paul Khanna), claims he can help you lose upto around 10 kgs in six weeks. Venice states that the belief — "each time we eat we boost our metabolism and our chances of losing weight' — is wrong and just wishful thinking". He adds that our snacks have become meals and we eat more than we realise during the in-between-meal times. There is no point in eating six or more times a day because just sticking to three meals also controls our appetite as it releases leptin (a chemical that tells our brain we are full). Venice says in an interview on a video-sharing website, "The belief 'breakfast kickstarts you metabolism' is utter nonsense", and goes on to state that metabolism begins the moment you wake up. A cold bath or shower in the morning helps burn calories too.
- says Venice A Fulton, Personal Trainer and author

Why no more than three meals

- You will end up in the toilet more often.

- You will be fatter because your in-between snacks may be much bigger.

- All that food will make you visit your dentist more often!

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5 Trends you must sport this season

It's that time of the year again. Runways are ready to showcase the latest in fashion and you are left with hundreds of trends to choose from. TOI scours the world of fashion to make your dilemma easier and brings you 5 trends-in-vogue that you must sport this season!

Geometric Prints
You might have been a total dud in geometry back in school, but if you sport this latest trend, you definitely score a perfect 10
on fashion. Wear squares, grids, triangles and diamonds in form of prints and be fashion forward this season. Even stripes in horizontal, vertical, zigzag are all a la mode. Go for geometriques in dresses, jumpsuits or even shirts and skirts. Do not go overboard with accessories and let the print speak for itself, like Zoe Saldana here. You can even opt for geometric print shoes and leggings.

Wide-legged pants
Are you thinking how can massive clothing be a flattering fashion statement? Well, it could be, if you wear it right. Take a cue from Anne Hathaway. Wide-legged trousers in full length or half (culottes) are the new fashion frenzy. Pair these slouchy pants with snug tops (crop tops and boxy blazers look great) and stilettos for a comfortable yet chic look. Choose a high-waisted one and team it up with a slim belt to make your waist look slender. Also, make sure the trouser fits you perfectly — fitted at the thighs and flaring at the bottom so that your legs never end.

Boyfriend Jeans
The nineties were the time of The Bootcut. It was soon replaced by the skinny jean — a modern take on the bootcut that ditched the baggy for a proportionate figure-hugging cut. It's time again to ditch your good 'ol skinnies for the latest rage this season — the boyfriend jeans. A more casual take on the simple pair of skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans are menswear-inspired and looks uber cool with almost everything girly in your wardrobe. Pair it with shirts, feminine tops or blazers like Rachel Bilson. Roll the bottom for a more disheveled look and pair it with moccasins, sky-high heels or flats. Casual never looked this cool!

Tea-length skirts
They are feminine, they are stylish and they are in vogue! A rage back in the '50s, vintage tea-length skirts that end at the ankle are the new fashion hit and they cut a beautiful, womanly silhouette — check out Posh Beckham! Choose from flaring or the ones that lightly hit the ankle. Pair these with crop tops or tanks to look your classiest best this season. If you are petite, slip into a pair of heels and you are good to go! Throw in a statement neckpiece and a tote bag to add glam to the look.

Cropped jackets
Short, boxy yet elegant — cropped jackets are the new entrant in the autumn-winter fashion hitlist and can be paired with anything from effortless jeans to fitted skirts to bodycon dresses. If the bottom is flared, go for a fitted cropped jacket and if you choose to wear a snug skirt or skinny jeans, opt for a baggy jacket. Available in leather, cotton, demin and other fabrics, it's more than just a blazer — it's a statement you can't go wrong with! Swap it with your go-to jacket like Jessica Alba for a smarter look.

(Compiled by Shreyanka Mazumdar)

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Sex-guide according to your age

Our sexual behaviour varies at different times in our lives. Sex guru Tracey Cox in her bestselling book, 'Sextasy' reveals the sexual urges and traits of lovers according to their age...
20-something: Most guys just can't stop dreaming about sex every couple of hours. At this age, girls are usually rebellious in their sexual imaginations. They share same-sex fantasies or want to try out bi-sexuality. A 2006 study of nearly 2000 people discovered that 76 per cent of women who slept with women reached orgasm (for women with men, the figure stands at 50 per cent).

The 20s are the time when young boys and girls are most experimental in their sexual positions. One in 10 people claims Tracey Cox have had a threesome in their early twenties.

Also, people in this age group have most likely visited a strip joint or a lapdancing club - with their friends or their better half.

30 something: The 30s are a time to experiment, almost all 30-somethings claim to have had sex outdoors. Unlike the teens when making out was the most common form of sexual experimentation, most 30 somethings prefer having sex somewhere semi-public like the beach, in the garden or on a park bench in the darkness. There's something wildly erotic about these sexapades! Also, high on the 30 something popularity chart are having sex in the shower or in the bath tub.

Kinky pleasures also rate high as most 30 plus couples claim to be giving in to their fantasies of bondage, blindfolds and spanking on a weekend of debauchery.

This is also the time when women are most likely to befriend gay male pals. Straight women love gay men; gay men love straight women. Swedish research is confirming just why the two groups get along so famously - they both have symmetrical brains. Straight men and lesbians have asymmetrical brain hemispheres.

The 30s also mark the arrival of children in a married couple's life, so the sex drive naturally dwindles. But, Cox points out that during pregnancy, couples have sex four to five times a month. Most put the brakes on their sex lives for about seven weeks after delivery, but four months later are back to four or five times of sex a month. Cox says six months after delivery, the average couple goes back to having sex three to five times a month. But incase you don't fit the bill, remember getting disheartened ain't gonna help. Remember it's just a temporary period, so continue touching and cuddling and if your baby robs you of chances to have sex, indulge in quickies.

Most women says Cox in her book experience higher orgasm rates. Ninety per cent of women past 30 regularly experience orgasm, compared to just 23 per cent of younger women.

40 something: Men in their 40s are more likely to experience erection problems. Also, this is the age when maximum number of men tend to be unfaithful. Also, men are more compelled in their 40s to watch more porn or indulge in sex chats. Women on the other hand get sexually very demanding, often being attracted to younger men.

If you thought the 40s were about low libido, think again, while 40-somethings maybe having less sex than ever, the thrust has shifted from how many times in a week to an emphasis on better quality. You are more sure of your sexual needs in this age group and thus more likely to insist on passion play as opposed to a mere making out session.

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5 Things a man will never ever tell you

There are somethings that a man will never tell you. But these things would help you understand your partner better and improve your relationship. Read on to know a few of his secrets...

- We want you to like our friends, but not love them: A man would want his girlfriend to get along with his friends, but he may not like you hanging out with them all the time. Also, don't make statements professing your love for his friends.

- We don't like it when you go gaga over anyone else: Be it Brad Pitt or Salman Khan, we don't like it when you drool over their bulging biceps or six-pack abs. Don't be surprised if we start praising Jessica Alba or Katrina Kaif out of the blue.

- We worry that you will find someone better: It's not just women who worry about losing their guy to some hotter chick, even men suffer from pangs of insecurity. Just that they are better at hiding it than most women.

- We don't cuddle hoping for sex... well not always: It's not just women who like to just hold hands or relax in her partners' arm. A guy will never admit to this but he loves cuddling too. It doesn't mean that he doesn't have naughty things on his mind, but there are some exceptions to the rule.

- Don't expect us to tell you what we do on a boys' night out: Whether it's girls, sports, cars or bikes, don't expect a guy to reveal any of the things that he has discussed with his buddies. It's probably better that way!

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Girls should avoid dating these guys

An expert has advised women to scrutinise the men they choose to date — to avoid ending up in a bad relationship. Some men may seem perfect on the first few dates, but it does not take long for them to change from a prince to a frog. Hence, it's important to look out for the warning signs.

The set-in-his-ways guy
Dating someone who refuses to do anything new will lead to a relationship that is both boring and one-sided. Stop thinking that he will eventually change and open up to your hobbies. These men will only become more rigid over time.

The pick-up-after-me guy
These are men who expect you to clean their dishes, pick up their clothes and take care of them as if they are little children. Beware of these men because they may behave as if you are their mother for the rest of their — and your — lives.

The always-looking-for-a-deal guy
They are the ones who constantly look for deals and comment on prices early on in the dating process. These are signs that he will be very stingy throughout the duration of the relationship.

I-need-to-watch-sports-all-the-time guy
Many guys like watching sports, but this should never trump the responsibilities of a relationship or take precedence over family obligations. Women are advised to avoid a man who has a childish obsession with sports.

What's-for-dinner guy
These men expect a home-cooked meal every single night. Don't end up being a maid to such men.

The I-had-sex-and-now-I-don't-have-to-try-anymore guy
Men who back away and start getting lazier after having sex for the first time were probably only after one thing to begin with.

The I-will-let-you-pay-for-some-of-my-bills guy
If a guy asks for help while paying bills early on in a relationship, it is a warning sign that you should avoid a relationship with this person. By paying for him early on, you are accepting that it will be this way in the future.

The over-controlling guy
This guy makes a check on 'his woman' every second of the day and inquires about who she is hanging out with.

The I-don't-know-what-I'm-looking-for guy
He is a confused person. One day, he wants a relationship. The next day, he wants kids. Two months later, he's not sure about either. This type of man may ditch you anytime.

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Make blueberries a part of your daily diet

Health benefits of the fruit
Firm, little blueberries are packed with anti-oxidants, which strengthen the immune system. They are also low in fat and provide almost 25% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. They also have folate and niacin. A study suggests blueberries reduces the risk of heart disease and can ward off urinary tract infections. They also slow down the loss of vision. Research confirms that blueberries not just slow the ageing process but can also reverse it. For a refreshing face glow, try a strawberry-blueberry mask, made by blending the two fruits. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with warm water.

5 delicious ways to add them to your dessert
- Use them in a sauce over your ice cream or pie.
- Stew them with sugar and top them with cream and shortcake.
- Add them to fruit compote with cream and chopped nuts.
- Warm blueberry muffins or cupcakes can also make for be an ideal tea-time treat.
- Make blueberry ice pops with honey for a natural fruit fix. And, if you're serving guests a cheese platter, serve the French brie cheese with blueberries and strawberries.

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Secrets to looking younger

Beauty gurus share their unusual advice and tips for fighting wrinkles

From headstands and honey to gurning and grapes, these experts share their own personal secrets for fighting off the signs of ageing. Moisturisers and SPF creams aren't the only way to avoid wrinkles. Here, beauty gurus share their unusual secrets.

Exercise your neck
The neck is a big age giveaway and needs help to keep it taut, toned and firm. Lie on your back with your head hanging over the edge of the bed, then lift your head towards your chest. Repeat 10 times daily.
— Noella Gabriel, director of a cosmetic company

Use an ice pack
To stimulate my skin cells, shrink fluid retention and reduce redness and visible capillaries, I wrap ice in a muslin cloth and roll it all over my face. It leaves you with a rosy, youthful complexion.
— Sarah Chapman, facialist Drink from a flask

I try not to drink from plastic bottles as it causes wrinkles around the mouth. Use a flask with a cup attached instead.
— Marcyanna Legan, MD of a skincare company

Change your cleanser
Use an oil-based cleanser that won't strip away natural oils and massage make-up off with plenty of product. Apply pressure across your frown lines — try a zig-zag motion under the eyes when massaging.
— Facialist Su-Man

Practice facial yoga
Facial yoga helps to support the contours of your face, delays wrinkles and improves deep-set lines. Place your fingers on the edge of your jaw and pull towards your ears. This disperses fat around the jaw.
— Wren Holmes, urban skincare consultant

Eat face foods
Wild salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that moisturise from within for smooth, soft, flexible and glowing skin. I eat two to three servings of wild (not farmed) salmon a week. Avocados are also full of monounsaturated oil, vitamin E and B complex vitamins that repair and protect skin from free radical damage. I eat avocados three to four times a week.
— Nigma Talib, naturopathic doctor

Pack in the powder
I never put powder in the crow's feet around my eyes. It just makes wrinkles look bigger.
— Kirsten Carriol, creator of a beauty product

Do a headstand
Headstands are great for getting the blood to flow to the face, oxygenating your complexion and helping to remove wrinkle-inducing toxins.
— Esther Fieldgrass, founder of a spa

Massage back-handed
Dot a small amount of cream on the backs of both hands, then, with the backs of your hands, massage your neck upwards and outwards in long strokes until the cream is fully absorbed. This won't 'drag' at the skin, like fingertips do, and helps prevent ageing signs on the backs of the hands as well as your neck.
— Liz Warom, founder of a spa

Drink green tea
I drink green tea daily and keep blueberries at my desk to nibble on. They provide a powerful dose of protective antioxidants that keep wrinkles at bay.
— Kristy Cimesa, founder of a herbological healing company

Say yes to serums
To fight inflammation and ageing free radicals, I use an antioxidant serum, and to hydrate I drink 1.5 litres of water a day. I follow my antioxidant serum with a good hyaluronic serum, which can absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in moisture.
—Jill Zander, founder of a skin rejuvenation clinic

Give gurning a go
I do facial gymnastics daily to tackle wrinkles. Puff out your cheeks and move the air from one to the other. Do this three times. Then, with your lips slightly pouting, gently blow as if you're blowing bubbles. Smile widely, hold for three seconds and release. Repeat thrice.
— Donna Tait, skincare expert

Enjoy a smoothie
My secret to good skin is a daily smoothie of spinach, kiwi, banana and unsweetened almond milk. Spinach is an excellent source of iron. Without it, you can't transport oxygen efficiently, which can leave you with pale skin. The vitamin C in kiwis helps make collagen for new skin cells and the vitamin E in almond milk protects the skin.
— Sharon Hilditch, founder of a skincare company

Pinch yourself
I pinch my skin to keep it plump and youthful, as pinching stimulates the fat cells under the skin to keep it firm, full and tight.
— Dr Terry Loong, skin energy doctor

Tuck into honey
I'm a great believer in using natural ingredients. Getting more honey in your diet is great for the face. It's good at helping the skin absorb moisture.
— Helen Ambrosen, co-founder and beauty product inventor

Serve tea and cucumber
When my eyes look puffy or tired, I soak camomile tea bags in cold water and place them over my eyelids for 10 minutes. It leaves me with pepped-up peepers. To temporarily tighten the complexion, I place chilled slices of cucumbers on my eyes and cheeks.
— Rivka Rose, founder of a natural skincare company

(By Daily Mirror)

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Why lean’s still in

Bulking up is passe; getting lean is very in

Gone are days when bulking up like your favourite actor would be your dream goal. And with women too opting for men with leaner bodies, the city's young men are taking this fitness trend seriously. "Initially I'd get inquiries from young men asking me to guide them to help them build a beefed up body, but lately more men prefer the lean look," says fitness trainer Ravi Rawal.

Going 'gung-ho'
The lean body look is all about streamlining one's body. In simple words, cutting down excess fat and having a higher percentage of muscle mass. "A lean body is all about having a fit and toned body with the right amount of muscle mass and lesser amount of stored fat. Many people misunderstand slim body to be lean body. Slim body lacks stamina and has a lower percentage of fats and muscles, whereas a lean body has higher stamina, the right amount of muscles and lowest amount of fat. One can also have a six-pack-abs even though while opting for a lean body," asserts
fitness trainer and expert Abhishek Thakker.

Body basic
"When it comes to body building we instantly look up to Bollywood and
Hollywood celebrities. Of late new-age actors in West are opting for a healthier and leaner body making it a new fitness trend to reckon with.

Another reason why men are opting for a leaner and toned body is that it is easy to maintain and economically viable. One doesn't have to take any kinds of pills, injections, medicines or follow any special kind of diet. Most importantly this kind of physique is a hit with women," grins fitness trainer Ravi Rawal.

Get the look right
"A healthy balance of exercise and food is the key to a lean body. Your workout regimen should consist of a proper combination of cardio, weights and strength training. However, one should concentrate on doing more strength resistance and endurance training. Circuit training and sports training are great options. An important thing to remember while combining different exercises is that the amount of rest between two sets of exercises should be minimal, as it helps to burn calories faster, while ups your stamina and muscle power. Avoid high calorie food and opt for food with higher proteins to gain stronger muscles," says Abhishek.

Those who swear by it
"A lean body keeps you fit and gives a very athletic look, while a beefed up look doesn't suits everyone," says Prakash Malida, a fashion student. As boys warm up to the lean look, here's raising a toast to the trend.

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Get over being camera shy

The fear of facing the camera is no small matter as it can spring from several psychological issues.

Remember how Chandler from Friends would grimace when it came to facing the camera? People might dismiss that as fiction, but medical experts agree camera shyness is a very real phenomena. For instance, a recent report stated that the Skyfall singer, Adele took lessons in 'photo healing' as she is painfully camera shy and fears being thrust into the limelight.
Good-looking, yet conscious: Psychiatrists say that the fear of getting photographed is linked to social phobia, where a person fears being judged by others. "Camera phobia exists in all kinds of people. Self image issues are rampant and exist even in people who by conventional standards, are good looking;" says psychiatrist Dr Kiran Shandilya, who adds that a picture, in the age of social media is an extension of one's personality, and no longer relegated to family albums. "People spend hours building an image on social media platforms or their phones. They avoid making relationships in real life which in a way, complicate our lives."
Heal with a click: While professional photographers around the city haven't heard of photo healing, they do acknowledge the photo phobia problem exists. Says Vijit Gupta, a city based photographer, "There are instances where people who come for professional portfolio shoots for the first time, get quite nervous. They become stiff, hunch up their shoulders or just give one standard look."
Geraldine Menezes, who specialises in customised wedding photos, seconds Gupta's view. She adds, "At weddings, there are relatives, who pose awkwardly. It's almost as if they are scared, and this can ruin a picture, even though the focus is on the bride and groom."
Shed the fear: Shandilya lists reasons for this phobia. "Any anxiety comes like a curve — it peaks and then goes down. Remember yourself on stage or in an exam where there is a time when the anxiety peaks and you feel you can't do it. But when you stand and face it, it goes down. When the anxiety is peaking, people avoid being in the situation. This way, they never allow anxiety to go down and face the fear, which is how they never conquer it." Shandilya also adds that people don't need to please everyone, "It's about being comfortable with the disapproval of someone. To survive, one doesn't need to have the approval of everyone. Social approval does not need to become our guiding light."
Besides these psychological facts one needs to keep in mind, there are quick ways to fixing the problem. Says Vijit Gupta, "For nervous subjects, I show them the angles where they look good and give them a pep talk." Geraldine Menezes, on the other hand, tries to become friendly with the jittery subjects, "Since I do wedding assignments which go on for a few days, we have time to interact with the subjects. Before we shoot, we do our best to make sure they are comfortable with us." And, while these quick fixes may not go a long way, one needs to realise that at the bottom of it all lies self acceptance. Says Dr Shandilya, "It is important to know that a person looking at you or your picture is just a view point of the person. It not a fact. Also, nobody's opinion of you is permanent. It keeps changing over time." she adds.

Tips to get over camera shyness

- Take selfes to realise which is your best angle
- Have people whom you are close to take your pictures initially, so you feel comfortable in front of the camera
- For events like marriages, it's important to learn to trust your photographer so that you look confident in the pictures

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In pics: 8 reasons why girls prefer funny guys

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What is it about guys with a sense of humour that makes girls go weak in the knees? Funny guys have a certain charm about them that no girl can deny.
Here are the reasons why girls are hooked to witty guys.

Funny guys are entertaining: Going out with a funny guy never gets boring. His spontaneity is infectious and he can play practical jokes with a straight face. He can make you laugh at the drop of a hat. Dating a funny guy is exciting because you are constantly on your toes to keep up with his shenanigans. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images) 

8 reasons why girls prefer funny guys

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They are creative: Ask any writer what's the most difficult genre to bring out and he will most likely say, comedy. It's one thing to tell 'Yo Mama' jokes and indulge in bathroom humour and another to find a one liner that elicits belly laughs. If your guy is funny, he's probably vastly knowledgeable in a variety of subject matters and can mimic them well. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images) 

8 reasons why girls prefer funny guys

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They are social: A funny guy is usually the life of the party. He can ease awkward social situations with a well-placed joke at the right time. Dating a 'wise guy' is easy and you never have to worry about leaving him alone in a room full of strangers. Funny guys know what makes people tick so he will break the ice and get them chuckling by the time you are back. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images) 

8 reasons why girls prefer funny guys

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They have good observation skills: Comedians are good observers of the people and things around them. That's why they always find something to poke fun at. How is he going to poke fun at your pink Barbie doll with tassels unless he has observed it on your side table? They have a keen sense of what is going on around them. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images) 

8 reasons why girls prefer funny guys

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They make you feel safe: You can be yourself around him. Girls feel safe and comfortable around goofy guys. Your walls immediately melt away. His demeanour teaches you to laugh at yourself and the absurdities of life. He doesn't mind making a fool out of himself and makes you want to do the same when you're together. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images) 

8 reasons why girls prefer funny guys

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They get along with your friends: A goofy guy will impress your friends in an instant. He doesn't mind taking the stage — metaphorically — and performing jokes at a party. His wacky humour has your friends floored and enjoying his company. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images) 

8 reasons why girls prefer funny guys

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They are confident: Only a funny guy can make fun of himself for the amusement of others. He may not come across as confident but he is fully secure in himself. Behind his goofy facade is an emotional person so be careful with your jibes when you are together. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images) 

8 reasons why girls prefer funny guys

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They bring a smile to your face: You can't be angry with a funny man for too long. One cute smirk and you have forgotten why you were upset with him to begin with. He will make you laugh through the tears and giggle through the fears. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images) 

8 reasons why girls prefer funny guys

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