Thought for food!
When was the last time you had three proper sit-down meals a day? Probably not for a long time, especially if you are a young professional
Mona

Dos and don’ts Rustle up a quick breakfast. Tearing hurry? Banana and milk would do! Divide meals in 5-6 small portions. Carry a small tiffin of salad and fruit for mid-morning snack Carry fruit/roasted whole grains/ mixed nuts for mid-day snacking Replace tea/coffee with green tea, aerated drinks with fresh juice/nimbu pani Don’t gorge at every office party, let there be an occasional treat Avoid long hour gaps in between meals. Have something in bag to munch at extended hours

A woman digging into a bowl of fruit at the traffic light in the morning rush hour is increasingly becoming a common sight. ‘The woman’ in question is a conscious eater, negotiating roles of a mother and a professional, trying to keep up with the nutrition she needs.

Long working hours, erratic shifts and challenging deadlines have taken their toll on the ‘normal’ daily routine. One wonders how many of us have proper sit-down meals! Morning rush hour and the first thing that gets dropped is breakfast. The day vanishes in office work. Tired after the day’s work, cooking is the last thing on the mind. “The worst is that most of the professionals prefer to unwind with an alcoholic drink, giving up on dinner, probably the only sit-down meal that they can have in a day,” says Aditi Mehrotra, diet consultant.

“I am literally distorting myself when it comes to eating,” says Kriti Rawat, relationship manager with a bank. Kriti wakes up to a cup of tea, a quick parantha for breakfast and lunch is packed tiffin from PG that she stays in. She eats her lunch sometimes in her car or a nearby park (her work involves a lot of running around); dinner is light, she avoids food and makes do with soup and salad. “It’s on the weekends that I let loose. I binge on pizzas, chicken and what not on earth,” says Kriti, knowing fully well the repercussions of ignoring regular diet. “Food is really being sidelined. I only manage to have light dinners. Also, I walk or swim to make up for all the junk food that enters my system,” says Kriti.

Food is the last priority for many young professionals. No time for breakfast, a quick lunch, endless cups of coffee in order to survive marathon meetings and extended working hours. It’s even more complicated for those working in graveyard shifts.

“One really can’t help,” says Ravi Mehra, a BPO employee. “Each month the shift changes. Since the timings are odd, there is no sit-down meal with the family. A meal break and two tea breaks in 10-hour working ensure that you ‘eat’, but ‘what’ is not the main concern,” says Ravi. “Though the company has a cafeteria that provides meals at a nominal cost, it can never match up the nutritious ‘home-cooked’ meal,” he adds. Ravi is lucky that his mum or sister ensure that he takes tiffin from home, which is luxury for those who are on their own.

“In most of the corporate workshops on healthy nutrition that I do, I have come across professionals who start their day on an empty stomach, are caffeine dependent throughout the day, snack on fried, fast food and ‘call in’ dinner most of the days,” says Aditi. Though she insists on getting out of this vicious meal cycle, but not many are able to break free or stick to healthy eating habits.

Whatever be the working scenario, eating right is the basis of good physical and professional life. The earlier one realises, the better!

mona@tribunemail.com

Master of spices
Superchef Sanjeev Kapoor was in Chandigarh to select contestants for his food-based reality show, which also has Madhuri Dixit as one of the mentor
Manpriya Khurana

From the tag ‘celebrity chef’, perhaps the word celebrity weighs heavier for the super-chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Housewives, their hubbys, kids in tow…in short women cutting across psychographics, pause and pay attention like any other fan would. It’s only a little short of a rockstar reception. “People are kind to me, I would like to thank god. I think it’s not a celebrity or fan bond. It’s a very trust-based relationship. It’s like a mother-son, brother-sister relationship,” shares Sanjeev Kapoor, at Fun Republic, Chandigarh, to call for entries for his food-based reality show.

He takes over the stage and assumes his classic Khana Khazana role, “How many people have filled up the form? What all can you cook nicely?” Did somebody say Lebanese? “Have you ever been to Lebanon? Do you know the capital of Lebanon?”

Speaking of the show, Food Food Maha Challenge’, will present the culinary battle of the sexes. The show cashes on the age-old gender war for a platform. There will be 16 participants competing in the kitchen to prove ‘who cooks better? Men or women?’

He shares, “Wherever I’d go, people would ask me, why are most of the chefs male? Plus, it’s a yearly property, this year it’s gender base, next year it would be something else.” He adds, “There will be a male team headed by me and there will be a female team under Madhuri Dixit, each trying to out-cook each other. We won’t cook, but we’ll be mentors.”

So this reality show too has a dose of Bollywood - roping in someone, who’s associated with true blue Hindi cinema or better still, dancing. He says, “We wanted it to have a mass appeal. To do that it had to be somebody with not just mass appeal, but also respect, oomph and the right connect with the audiences. And we were also willing to spend money.”

Those who think starting a channel catering just to food is a bit too visionary, then he dreamt of it about seven years ago. “After a couple of food shows, I was like what next. At the most I would be transferring from one channel to the other hosting similar kind of shows. I first thought of it seven years ago and now I’m living my dream, which feels great.”

The auditions for the show will be conducted in 10 cities across the country. “We are not looking at professionals only. The certificates or training is not the criteria, but for anybody who cooks well.” The only difference lies in as he says, “Passion.” When half the world watches you prepare something as mundane as ‘gol gappas’, you know food comes easy to him!

Emotional eating
Happy people go for candies, hopeful ones choose fruit

”Most of us are aware that we often fall victim to emotional eating, but how is it that we might choose unhealthy or healthy snacks when we’re feeling good?” write authors Karen Page Winterich of Pennsylvania State University and Kelly L. Haws of Texas A&M University. They focused on the complicated relationship between positive emotions and food consumption.

To understand why someone would be more likely to choose a candy bar versus a piece of fruit, study authors teased out the difference between positive feelings that arise from thinking about the past or the present (pride and happiness) and hope, a more future-oriented emotion.

In the authors’ first study, hopeful participants consumed fewer M&Ms (specialty frozen foods) than people who experienced happiness, according to a Penn State statement.

In a second study, they found that consumers who were more focused on the past chose unhealthy snacks even if they felt hope.

In the third study, the researchers shifted the time frame of the positive emotion - having participants feel hopeful about the past or having them experience pride in the future.

“That is, if someone is anticipating feeling proud, she prefers fewer unhealthy snacks than someone experiencing pride.”

Finally, the authors compared future-focused positive emotions (hopefulness, anticipated pride) to future focused negative emotions (fear, anticipated shame). They found that the combination of positivity and future focus enhanced self-control.

“So the next time you’re feeling well, don’t focus too much on all the good things in the past. Instead, keep that positive glow and focus on your future, especially all the good things you imagine to come. Your waistline will thank you!” the authors conclude. — IANS

Orange will be the new pink

If you like to think six months ahead, then think orange. Designers say the colour will dominate fashion next winter not only in India but abroad too. Fashion trends are forecast six months before a season actually comes around. And orange is already splashing the collections of international names like Stella Mccartney, Vivienne Westwood and labels like Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta and Hermes.

Labels like Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton have gone out of the way and incorporated the colour in their men’s collections too.

“All shades of orange - light and deep - are going to be heavily in vogue next winter. It is the colour for the season. People can wear full orange dresses, without feeling it is too bright, and shaded orange clothes too will be a hit,” Leena Singh of designer duo Ashima-Leena said.

Their autumn-winter collection showcased at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) a week ago was dominated by kaftans, dresses and tunics in reds and oranges. Even their black-based saris had motifs in orange on the border.

Orange was also the chosen colour for Indian as well as western clothes. An array of designers like Rajesh Pratap Singh, Anupama Dayal, Kallol Datta, Manish Arora, Malini Ramani, Jatin Varma, Charu Parashar, Neeru Kumar, Krishna Mehta and Masaba had used orange in some way or the other in their collections this time.

They teamed up different shades of orange with bright colours like fuchsia, turquoise, yellow and green, apart from mixing it with white, beige, brown and black, to add some colour to the garments.

The bright colour could help you beat the winter fog and chill.

Designers Shantanu-Nikhil’s line was inspired by jungle safari and they made jackets, mini skirts and body suits with hints of orange.

“We always use subtle and neutral colours in our work. But we always use a hint of some bright colour, which is going to be the colour of the season, in our line. Last time it was yellow for the spring-summer collection. But for the coming winter, it is definitely bright and even burnt orange,” said Nikhil.

Indian designers Hemant-Nandita, known for a splash of colours in their lines, too feel orange is going to be a rage in winter time.

“I feel burnt orange is going to do very well in India. Indians like bright stuff, but nothing ‘jhataak’ (loud). Orange is a very warm colour and well-suited for winters,” said Nandita. — IANS

High on adventure
Purnima Gupta

Five-star hotels and guided coach tours of Europe are passé; the Gen Next wants to experience an adrenalin rush through various adventure trips. Shares Vikas Malhotra, city resident, who recently went for a rafting trip to Rishikesh, "The experience was amazing. It scared and charmed at the same time." Rohit Verma, another resident, recalls the trip to Corbett National Park when along with his friends he was only at a distance of 10-ft from a tiger.

"Watching a tiger from such close quarters while sitting on an elephant's back was a hair-raising experience," he says.

Another daredevil from the city, Anand Gupta, tried cliff-jumping. He recalls the free fall from the cliff into water, "I have a phobia of heights, but I am determined to try out everything that unnerves me in life!"

Shailly Goyal, city resident, recalls her family trip to Australia where she went on seaplane and hot air balloon ride. "It was awesome, with the warm sun and the cool breeze blowing in your face," she recalls.

Puja Wadhwa recalls her parasailing adventure with her husband in Goa. "No one else in the group dared to go for it, but we did it," she says.

So, when are you packing your bags for some real adventure?

Fashionista
Behind the ramp
Ritu Kochhar

Fashion weeks have become a regular feature in a fashions buff's yearly calendar. Lakme Fashion Week is bi-annual event and is no doubt the most prestigious. Designers belonging to various genres come together to showcase their creations. The fashion week aims to showcase various collections by designers mainly for the international and national buyers, retailers, media, fashion houses, celebrities et al.

In our country, fashion weeks are conducted on the onset of two seasons, summer/spring and autumn/ winter whereas in the international scenario it generally happens four times a year. Seeing the progressive approach n the positive output of our designers the numbers are sure to increase.

Lakme Fashion Week holds a media workshop to educate and spread awareness about the ever-evolving fashion industry.

Each designer presents a collection with approx 25 to 40 designs showcasing their collections for the coming season. Depending on the popularity of a designer label the time slots are divided. The season dates are announced much in advance, so that the designers have enough reaction time.

The generation next designers go through a special screening process, where their collection is selected or rejected by a jury comprising highly qualified people from the fashion industry.

Each collection showcased here has a different feel to it. The designer gets his due share of limelight n his moment of glory, as after every show there is a " post-show conference where the designer gets an opportunity to explain his concept his work in detail.

The garments showcased on the ramp are not sold at the venue but there is a special area " the source " close to the " main show area " were people can visit n have a closer look n feel of the garment n place an order for the same. It is a brilliant platform for the designers to make contacts and increase their business.

Lakme Fashion Week is no doubt a star-studded event. Who's who of the fashion world, stars, celebrities, socialites make this event even more glamorous. The showstopper trend may be declining but who minds a diva like Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha or Katrina Kaif sitting next to you! Bollywood stars come to support their favourite designers and add some star value to the show…I did not mind sitting next to Amitabh Bachchan in the Nachiket Barve's show last season…

If fashion week is a big platform for designers it is even bigger for people who've come to witness it. There are two parallel shows happening simultaneously, one on the ramp n the other off the ramp.

Fashion weeks have become genuine platform for the upcoming designers who get noticed worldwide n a great runway for their designing careers to take off.

Fashion industry all over the world is coming closer, and making the world more fashionable by the day.

(Kochchar is corporate director, INIFD.)

Royal Wedding on YouTube

It’s different
Sanjay's take on I AM

Happy hour: Sanjay Suri

Sanjay Suri is a known name in Bollywood. He hasn't been seen in films for quite some time, because he felt he was being offered the same kind of roles. He had been wanting to do something different. And then he got Onir's film, I AM. Sanjay talks to us about the very different I AM, movies and more.

What made you sign I AM?

It is a different film. I play a completely different role than the ones I have received so far. And, apart from the script, 400 unknown individuals have invested in the film. This film is therefore not one person's cinema. It is amazing that people have put in money without knowing the content. That's what made me do this film.

Why don't we see more of your films?

You know the roles I used to get were similar and almost the same. This stopped me from signing films. Filmmakers offered me roles with social themes, because they felt I am 'well suited' for those serious roles, but they forgot that I have also done light films like Jhankar Beats. If I can get bored working on the same concept, my audience would be super bored looking at me in the same character (laughs).

Where do you find yourself today in Bollywood?

I have made my own place in Bollywood, that's what I believe. People know who Sanjay Suri is and that's what matters for an actor. — HRM

Udaan touches the right chord

Musical journey: Ranbir Kapoor

Bips not dating Josh

Bipasha Basu is not dating Josh Hartnett. The Hollywood star already has a European supermodel girlfriend (Sophia Lie). The link-up has only served to increase buzz for Singularity, which releases later this year.

Vidya takes Ash’s place

Vidya Balan is playing Abhishek Bachchan's wife in Dum Maaro Dum. The first choice for this significant role was none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan but it did not work out. So Vidya is a good choice because Abhishek and Vidya's pair clicked in Paa.

Ranbir learns to Rock

Ranbir Kapoor has been attending music recording sessions with AR Rahman and Imtiaz Ali. There are 10 songs in Rock Star and one has to be shot with a live audience. The film releases in September.

No love lost: Amole Gupte

Amole still cross with Aamir

Amole Gupte has left Aamir Khan out of the trials for Stanley Ka Dabba. The two fell out during Taare Zameen Par when Aamir took over directorial reigns from Gupte and credited him as "creative director". Karan Johar and Vishla Bhardwaj were invited and they loved the film and have decided to do their bit to promote it.

Sippy back where he belongs

Ramesh Sippy will return to direction after a gap of 16 years. His last film was Zamaana Deewana (with Shah Rukh Khan). He said, "I feel the need to direct a film again and we are working on the script and casting. When everything will be finalised, I will talk about it."

Vidya takes Ash's place

Vidya Balan is playing Abhishek Bachchan's wife in Dum Maaro Dum. The first choice for this significant role was none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan but it did not work out. So, Vidya is a good choice because Abhishek and Vidya's pair clicked in Paa.

Work bond: Soha Ali Khan & Kunal Khemu

Family business

Saif Ali Khan is a generous man. He has decided to produce a film for sister Soha Ali Khan's boyfriend Kunal Khemu.

He will make a cameo appearance in the film directed by Raj DK and Nidimoru to add star power to the film. Kunal has previously worked with the directors on 99.

Desi Cruise: Shahid Kapur

Why copy Knight and Day?

There is a possibility that Shahid Kapur's action film directed by Siddharth Anand is a remake of Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz starrer Knight and Day.

chatter box
Only if I could ...

hair issues: Reshmi ghosh

Nobody is perfect, not even our TV actors. If given an opportunity to change their looks, they would grab the chance with both hands.

Reshmi Ghosh: I think I am the most imperfect person on earth. I would like to change my hair. I like it long the way it is but would like to go for a makeover. I would want to style them differently. I have wavy hair and keep getting them straightened and now I am bored with the straight look. I would prefer a different look and style now.

tall order: aastha chaudhary

Aastha Chaudhary: I think another two or three inches to my height would do wonders to my physical appearance. I would not have to wear big heels to match up to the height of my co-actors. I think an inch or two would have added to my beauty.

high Hope: abigail jain

Abigail Jain: I would like to be a bit taller as tall girls can carry off everything really well. Short girls find it difficult to don certain attires. Also I would prefer my hair to be straight as it is easy to manage.

on her feet: priyamvada kant

Priyamvada Kant: I think my feet are very ugly and given a chance I would change that. I have the ugliest feet in the world. It is like how a peacock takes pride in its beauty but hides its legs as it's considered to be ugly.

I think I am pretty but only if I could get something done to my feet to make them beautiful. I was required to give at least 15 shots of my feet during my show Thoda Hai Bas Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai, and every time they focused on my feet I cringed.

I had requested them to do it with a double but they wouldn't budge.

hair day: angad hasija

Ashita Dhawan: I think I am perfect but two cute dimples would make me happy.

I think dimples look very cute and very attractive. So God! Please give me two cute dimples.

Angad Hasija: I wish I could change the texture of my hair to avoid the pain and trouble I go through every time I try and set them.

I am fed-up with the look and feel of my hair. I want them to be long, straight and healthy.

Swiss locales fascinate TV producers

After filmmakers, television producers have taken a fancy to Switzerland. Star Plus has tied up with Switzerland Tourism to shoot a few special episodes of its show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya in the backdrop of the picturesque Swiss landscapes.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring dream destinations like Switzerland closer to our viewers who otherwise would catch only glimpses in big Bollywood movies,” Suzana Ghai, head of fiction - Programming, Star Plus, said in a press statement. — IANS

Karan-Abha to cross path

jab they met: karan and abha

In Zee TV's prime time show Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, Karan and Abha will soon cross paths promising a dramatic episode.

While the pressure to marry Ranchod is getting to Abha (Suhasi Dhami), Shelley, Abha’s sister-in-law, is aware of the fact that Karan (Karan V Grover) is still alive. On the other hand, Ranchod is seen falling for Abha.

“Shelley does not want Abha to meet Karan at any cost. Abha is pregnant with Karan's child but in his absence her family members want her to tie the knot with Ranchod so that the child is not born fatherless. Karan is fighting all odds to recover and Dr Arundhati is leaving no stone unturned to help him in this process. Someone tells Arundhati about a sage in Ujjain, who is an expert in Ayurveda, and acclaimed to have cured people of illnesses. Destiny will bring Arundhati and Karan to Ujjain for his treatment, which will lead to hits and misses between Abha and Karan.”

Check out this interesting twist and tune in to Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, Monday to Friday 8:30 pm only on Zee TV. — HRM

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Simmi Waraich

astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Getting sometime for yourself could be the hardest thing to do today. Relax and be a bit more tolerant. You will be in a mood to find fault with people who are dear to you; curb this habit. Don't be extravagant. Tarot message: Follow your instincts. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic Number: 30.

TAURUS: Teamwork is the key. Home life is pleasant. Older people may have some problem. Check your car before a long journey. A party is memorable. Control drinking. Tarot Message: Draw on inner energies and translate thoughts into action. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic Number: 64.

GEMINI: Life is not always a bed of roses. Relatives will be difficult to get along with. Don't get involved in any land deal. Emotions have to be controlled. No pain no gain. Look after yourself. A woman would be supportive. Tarot Message: The confrontation needs to be managed with care. Lucky colour: Royal Blue. Magic number: 59.

CANCER: Let a project take its time. You will be happy in the company of friends. It is a super time to strengthen ties with partners. Find moderate pleasures. Handle property matters carefully. Some of you could be suffering from financial insecurity. It is a temporary phase. Tarot message: Enjoy your dreams but don't play tricks on yourself. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 41.

LEO: Relax; there is no work pressure at all. Friends will be easy going and willing to fall in love with your plans. Property matters are highlighted. Eligible: a good proposal comes your way. A romantic alliance likely. Please wait and watch. Tarot message: Don't let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 46.

VIRGO: Best day to get things done by people in power. You will get an opportunity to be a member of an important club. Family affairs run smoothly. Guard against interference. Take a look at why you are putting up with the situations you do not like. Tarot Message: Be determined and increase your self-confidence will be on trial. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 25.

LIBRA: Love relations bubbling with excitement. Making a spontaneous trip can fill a need for variety. Making spontaneous. Students will get down to their tasks and hobbies. Businessmen: expect help from clients & loan from bank. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty. Lucky colour: Crème. Magic number: 27.

SCORPIO: Tendencies for manipulation or revenge should be controlled and contained. Believe in your own worthiness. Political bosses: danger looms large over. A day to invest in property. Industrialists to take care of labour problem. Lovers: avoid meeting in the evening. Exercise to relieve stress. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 43.

SAGITTARIUS: Scarifies for a better future. Talk to your boss for promotion. Do not initiate real estate transaction. Sudden travel could disturb plans. BP patients: get more rest. A long awaited issue finally gets settled. Tarot message: Now is the need to question the value judgement, which has shaping your money aspects. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 60.

CAPRICORN: The Moon reveals that you could stretch your relationship a bit too far. Speak your mind to your beloved. Property deals finalise. Domestic issues need attention. Your work is well under control. Youngsters may have differences with parents. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance or permission. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 42.

AQUARIUS: Forget worries of work. Talk to superiors and see what they offer. Romance is on your mind. Uncooperative family members will throw a spanner. Sportsmen may feel restless. Confide in a friend, take time out for a long walk, or read a good book. Tarot message: Take things slowly and listen to your inner voice. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 62.

PISCES: You will be in an enthusiastic frame of mind. Matters regarding government agency will go smoothly. Speculation may lead to loss. Unexpected callers can intrude on your solitude as family matters can blow up and get out of hand. Tarot message: Change the status quo at work and relationships. Voice your feelings. Lucky colour: Silver Grey. Magic number: 29.

the year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 21...

Health will remain under duress in 2011-12 yet there will be lesser disorders maybe the seasonal ones. Greater indications of mental stress are clear. Excessive pressure may be felt at work place. Career will shine in May. June brings Gainful Period and health will be great. July will be Socially active month. In August, money matters will experience pressures. Don't be egoistic between September to October. November is positive and cheerful month. Cold December will warm up family relationships. You will achieve success in your work in the first quarter of 2011-12 which may increase your happiness. Do not try to change your job in this duration. Your hard work and efforts will increase your benefits. You will achieve success in the property related matters, but, do not get involved in the a legal mess.