Sanober - Not all song and dance

''I prefer dark men. The tanned look turns me on. I prefer someone older than me.''

Singer, dancer, actress... not many people in the entertainment industry have so many talents. Many know Sanober Kabir as another 'item girl', but how many know that she actually sings the songs in which she features? Singing is her passion and she wants to carve a niche for herself as a singer. Sanober now reveals some other facets of her charming self.

Childhood dreams
The conversation begins with her childhood dreams. "I was never a strong student academically. My interests always lay towards music and dance. I never wanted to grow up to be a doctor or an engineer. I always wanted to be in the field of entertainment, be it acting or singing," says Sanober quite emphatically.

Current phase of my life
With a clear focus in life, Sanober went ahead to act in films and music videos. More than films, it was her dance moves that drew attention. On the current trend of music videos and where she sees herself in the crowd, she says, "What happens is that a lot of time what I do is mistaken as an item number and people start labelling me as an item girl. This really upsets me, because they don't know that I sing my own songs and feature in my own music videos. It's a pre-conceived notion that if you look a certain way, you are a good dancer, look nice and have a proper figure, then people think that you probably can't sing. People should look at the entire package. The vocal chords maybe as good as their dance moves or as their dress sense. In fact, nowadays even singers like Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan are concentrating on appearances. But primarily, they are singers and not item girls or guys. For the time being, acting is out. It demands a lot of time and I do not have even 10 days at a stretch to spare, but episodic roles are fine."

I prefer dark men
What does she seek in her Prince Charming? "Nobody is perfect. But he may be a little more perfect for me. He should be compatible, someone with emotional drive. Being rich is not as important as being ambitious. Because eventually only such people become successful. He should have a good sense of humour. I know it sounds cliched but one needs a sense of humour. We are so stressed out in life that at the end of the day you need someone who can lift your spirits and make you laugh. Besides, I prefer dark men. The tanned look turns me on. I somehow am not too attracted to white, fair men. I prefer someone older than me, as I believe that men mature slowly (laughs). I don't see myself having a good, decent conversation with a guy of my age."

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The search is still on...
"Often it happens that you think you have found the perfect man but later realise a few traits are not what you were looking for. And for some reasons, internal or external, things don't work out. So these people end up being your friends. They are really good guys, but you are talking about spending the rest of your lives with that guy, so he better be damn good (grins). It's not something you would compromise on, it's not a pair of jeans or a dress." So, is the search still on? "Not particularly searching, but yes, if someone comes along, then I will definitely consider"

I will marry because I want to
"If it has to happen, it will," she says philosophically. But does she believe in marriage? "Eventually, yes. But I am amazed that in India people still go for arranged marriages. Anywhere else in the world even if you were to propose that concept people would be baffled. In India, not only do these marriages take place, but they also work! For me it would be a guy whom I will choose. But I won't make a compromise, just because I have become of certain age or I have achieved so much; I am not going to do it just because I should. I will marry, because I want to"

I think live-in relationships are...
"I don't believe in live-in relationships. It kills the romance. Mystery is a very important part of romance, and if you are living-in with someone, the person knows everything about you. A little bit of suspense is very good. To keep the romance alive, the element of surprise has to be there. If I am living-in with someone, everything is out in the open. Eventually the romance dies out."

My family, my life
Sanober's dad was a child actor who later moved on to producing films. Her mother is a designer who has designed for top actresses like Sharmila Tagore, Sreedevi, Madhuri Dixit, Tabu and others. For Sanober, her family is her life. She says, "We are an extremely close knit family. I travel with my mom wherever I go. We are always together, my brother, my dad... we are all very close. I find it strange when I meet people who are not close to their families. I think the love of a mother or a father is the most selfless love you can get. Your friends like you because you are good at this or good at that, but parents love you irrespective of everything. They love you for who you are. I am who I am because of my family. If ever I have to choose between family and career, it would be family, without a doubt. I am ready to sit at home for the rest of my life but not lose my family." Very few people know that besides her parents' film connections, Sanober has other relatives in the industry as well. Veteran actor Raza Murad is Sanober's maternal uncle while actress Sonam is her first cousin.

If not a singer, actress, dancer...
She says sheepishly, "I don't know yaar , I really don't know. Maybe something to do with food. I love eating so I would have opened a restaurant or something. Or something within the hospitality industry. Or a production house. I do want to start a production company in the next 2 years, make television programmes and other related things."

There's more to me
Here it is from the horse's mouth, "I do not have a big group of friends; only a few close ones. I think one cannot live without friends. I have learnt tabla for 2 years. I am a foodie. I love to eat. I love travelling as well. This year I plan to visit Egypt."

Sanober... 10 years down the line
"Married, definitely... hopefully (grins). Have kids. But I will still be working. It won't be with the same intensity as it is as of now, because once you have family responsibilities you have to compromise on your career. But, I will still be around."

To all those who want to make it big
"Nothing comes easy. Hard work is the key. However, the atmosphere is very receptive today. With thousands of T.V. channels and so many shows, it's not that difficult to get a break. But it's not easy. Abhishek Bachchan also struggled before he could establish himself as an actor. Small-town people see glamour on television. They see actors and actresses in beautiful make-up and stunning clothes and they feel this is the place to be, but no, there is lot of slogging involved. We have worked in testing conditions without food and water and 24 hours of travelling. Unless they are really intent and confident about making it in the industry, they should not dream. Nothing comes without a price. There is a flipside to everything," Sanober signs off.

Sagar Patel

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Know if you are getting positive signs

If he keeps staring you in the face and gazing into your eyes, it means a green signal.

1. He comes close to you.
   He tries to be physically close to you without a reason. This is a sure sign that he enjoys your physical proximity.
   
   
2. He tries to make you laugh.
   If you like someone you want to make her happy and hence you try your best to crack jokes, recount funny incidents or just about say anything that will bring a smile to her face.
   
   
3. He offers help.
   Everybody needs somebody. None of us are self-sufficient and we need people to help us even in our day-to-day existence. If your partner offers to help you say even by a simple gesture like offering to drop you home after work, as the public transport is too crowded, this is a positive sign that he cares.
   
   
4. He asks for your phone number or Email.
   He wants to establish a connection. Once you have parted with your contact number, just wait for the phone to ring. He is not going to call if he does not enjoy talking to you!
   
   
5. He can't help making eye contact with you.
   Looking you in the eye and how! A woman generally can 'understand' a loving gaze. So if he keeps staring you in the face and gazing into your eyes, it means a green signal.
   
   
6. He tries to be with you.
   He may be offering very silly excuses like,'I was passing by your office and I thought I should say hi,' or some such inane thing. But this in practice does signify that he likes your company and will just about do anything to be with you.
   
   
7. He invites you indirectly or he suggests any activity.
   "Can we sit together and solve this crossword?" or indirectly invites you to his party would mean that he is interested.
   
   
8. He asks you for help when he could ask somebody else.
   Why should he seek you out if you do not interest him? So take this as a positive step.
   
   
9. He touches you accidentally or gently (arm, shoulder, hand).
   Gentle physical touches like this signify a lot. It means that the partner is trying to get close to you. And that you appeal to him, both physically and emotionally.
   
   

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Sole Mates

Tall or not, a bride looks graceful and royal in high heels.

There isn't a better way to complement the gorgeous bridal lehenga  or an elegant sari  than an exquisite pair of sandals solely made for the wedding occasion.

In most of the Indian weddings a bride has to stand, move around or dance for hours together and only a comfortable pair of shoes can see her smiling through the evening. A wedding pair, therefore, has to be comfortable apart from being stylish. For instance, the straps of the sandals should not be too constricting and the heels should look sensual while enabling a confident amble down the aisle.

Rina Shah of Rinaldi unveils her bridal collection.

Jootis  that are a real steal

The jootis  are designed with semi-precious stones, swarovsky crystals imported from Austria and sequins. The sequins are cast against a zardozi  back and intertwined with copper wire.

The sandals look classy and are a treat for the eyes of the beholder, and of course, the feet of the wearer. It could be the right choice for the sangeet  ceremony.



The base of the sandals is made of synthetic leather and the straps are adorned with custom-made silver swarkovsky crystals along with lapis lazuli and springs, making a line of glass across the instep.



High point of the evening

Tall or not, almost all fashion conscious women-brides prefer to wear high heels. They don't just look graceful but add royalty to the bride.

Rinaldi's stunning jewelled-sandal, crafted from synthetic leather is the one for the reception or a cocktail party. This sandal is covered with turquoise crystals and semi-precious stones intertwined in a copper wire.



The base design is in a striking combination of silver and dull gold and is lined with finely detailed pattern of beads and stones. Each motif is clearly defined and visible even from a distance, so it could be worn in the mornings too.



The world at your feet

If you really want to floor your guests, then flaunt this one. A prominent swarkovsky crystal smack in the centre of the sandal with gold coloured leaves delineates a flower.





Dainty amethysts and lapis lazuli stones give it that irresistible hue making it the perfect pair for the BIG day.

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Tips for a healthy diet

Ideal diet to remain fit and healthy

Jyoti Mehta She is a practising dietitian with Weigh To Live since the last 10 years. Her diets are personalised and are planned according to the individual's needs, lifestyle, and personal diet history. Have a question? Click here...

Diet to stay healthy

Sharanrajan asks,
My height is 5' 2 and I weigh 90 kg. What kind of diet do you suggest for me to stay healthy?
Dear Sharanrajan,
You are definitely overweight. You need to lose at least 30 kgs. You must have a good breakfast containing a serving of cereals like poha  or upma  and a fruit. Mid-morning try to eat some fruit. For lunch have a bowl of salad, a cup of vegetables, a cup of dal  or 3 small pieces of chicken, a cup of curd and a roti . For snacks have some roasted chana  and 2 servings of fruit. Dinner should be the same as lunch.

Gain weight

Sumit asks,
I am a 27 year old man and I weigh 55 kg. I eat too much, take a light breakfast but still cannot gain weight. Can you please guide me what can I do or what can I eat so that I put on some weight?
Dear Sumit,
In order to gain weight, you need not eat too much. Make sure that you eat a good breakfast and include at least 3 servings of milk and milk products, 4 servings of fruit, dry fruits like dates, figs and walnuts and 2 servings of salad in your diet along with your regular diet. This will ensure that you get all the nutrients you need and will improve your metabolism.

Good food guide

Maninder asks,
I am 34 year old. My weight is only 48 kg and height 5' 4. I am very weak. Please tell me some special good food for good health.
Dear Maninder,
Include 4 servings of fruits, 2 servings of salad, and 3 servings of milk and milk products in your diet. Try taking a tablespoon of black currants ( kali draksh ) which is soaked overnight on an empty stomach. Also include some dates and figs in the diet. This will give you some natural iron and will take care of your fatigue.

Change your meal pattern

Raji asks,
I am 60 years old and weigh 64 kg. I am a vegetarian and don't eat fried stuff, do yoga and go for 3 to 4 km walk everyday. All my life I have been very slim, but now I've put on weight specially after menopause. How do I loose weight?
Dear Raji,
Many times the body gets used to a certain meal pattern. Try changing your meal pattern - try doing a high protein day, a high carbohydrate day, a high fibre day and once in a while detoxification. Also include a lot of leafy vegetables and curds in the diet.

Diet for dry skin
Shazia asks,
What foods / supplements would you recommend for someone who has very dry skin?
Dear Shazia,
Curds, all fruits especially strawberries and plums, carrots, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, walnuts, flax seeds, green tea and water are recommended for dry skin.

Jyoti Mehta will answer your queries every fortnight. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Can a nephew marry his step aunt?

Legally it is not permitted. As per the law this relationship is considered under the prohibited degrees of relationship.

Siddhartha Shah A practicing advocate of Mumbai High Court. He specialises in Civil, Criminal, International and Matrimonial Laws. He opines on Indian Laws and the Legal System.  Have a question? Click here...

Extramarital affair

Arun asks,
Can I get a divorce on the ground that my wife has an extramarital affair?
Dear Mr. Arun,
Yes you could definitely file a petition on the grounds of Adultery and Mental Cruelty and avail a legal recourse on the basis of your personal law for the situation.

Can a nephew marry his step aunt?

Ramesh Sharma asks,
I shall be highly obliged if you kindly let me know, whether a nephew can marry his step aunt (maasi)?
Dear Ramesh,
Legally as per the governing laws of our land it is not permitted. As per the law this relationship is considered under the prohibited degrees of relationship. Marriage with certain persons is prohibited and forbidden because they are already connected with the family either by birth or by marriage.

Second marriage

Sanjay asks,
Can a woman file for maintenance under section 125 & section 18 of Hindu adoption and maintenance act?
Dear Sanjay,
A person who is professing Hindu religion cannot marry twice or have a second wife during his existing marriage but a person who is a divorcee or bachelor can marry a lady whose husband is missing since seven years or more after fulfilling certain legal formalities and compliances which are needed to be fulfilled before actually marrying such a person whose husband is missing since past 7 years or more. The lady whose husband is missing will have to file her papers for seeking divorce before the Family Court on the appropriate grounds of desertion by her husband and only after systematically obtaining the courts order or decree of divorce, she could proceed further. Now if the husband is dead and which the court has also declared then the lady can re-marry.

Pay maintenance after divorce

Ramesh asks,
I got an ex-party divorce in 2000 and remarried. I have one kid and also responsibility of my aged parents. Now my ex-wife has claimed maintenance. At present my basic salary is 8000 and gross is 17000. Please tell me how much minimum, monthly maintenance I have to pay as per the law?
Dear Ramesh,
Since you have mentioned the fact that the order of divorce is already passed by the court, your first wife is not entitled for any maintenance, anyways unless the court's order is correctly and exactly read and understood know what the court's order reads it would be improper to advice you on correct lines

She practises witchcraft

Sudeep asks,
It was revealed to us after marriage that she has been practising some witchcraft / tantrik  stuff since the past 15 years. You can understand how traumatising it could be to think of co-existing with such a person. Is it a reason enough for filing a divorce? Also there is nothing called compatibility between us. We have not been staying together since more than 2 years and there is no communication as well. What is the minimum period of separation required for filing a divorce? How long do you think it may take to seek divorce?
Dear Sudeep,
You can definitely file your papers for obtaining divorce on the grounds of mental cruelty and desertion before the appropriate family forum at the appropriate jurisdiction where you reside for obtaining divorce. Answering your second question "Any husband or wife who has deserted the other spouse for a continuous period of not less than two years can present the Petition for obtaining divorce."

Siddhartha Shah will answer your queries. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Rajiv Paul

Lust is extremely important in a relationship

Acting excites him. Having begun his acting career with the television soap Swabhimaan , he soon picked up many others like Parivartan, Kitty Party, Bhabhi and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki . Rajiv Paul has never looked back because acting is his forte. Having explored many dimensions of on-screen relationships Rajiv talks about what goes into the making of a good personal relationship. He believes that space is extremely important in a relationship and more than love it is the companionship that he treasures with his wife Delnaz that forms the foundation of their marriage.
Lust is extremely important in a relationship
If there is no love there would be no relationship. You need to be constantly in love for a relationship to last. To many divorces happen because the couple is not in love but just in a relationship. You don't have to make any efforts to show you are in love. You just have to be in love. I love Delnaz for what she is and I like her because she loves me for what I am. Lust is extremely important in a relationship. If you do not feel this for the person you love then it might drift you apart. It is an integral part of any successful marriage. The self-fulfilment is very important. Love and lust is a part of passion. But every single day one cannot be passionate about your partner. It is very unhealthy. Couples fight, argue every day because they have their own ideas and view points. And such small fights and arguments are not bad in a relationship. But if this takes the shape of a destructive behaviour then it should be stopped immediately. Talking to each other is the best way to resolve differences. Try and spend quality time with each other, go for a holiday. Jealousy to a certain level is healthy and it is nice to know that your partner gets jealous when she sees you with someone else. But in extremely measures it is very unhealthy, like when either one is more successful in his profession or has more money. Jealousy in such cases can be harmful. The best thing is to trust your partner.

Sabina S Mary

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

How to turn your partner on

Love is not just mouthing sweet-nothings. It needs to be as action packed as any thriller.

Love is not just mouthing sweet-nothings. It needs to be as action packed as any thriller. And once you get into the act you will have your partner turned on within no time. So get your act together and look forward to a night / day of passion and romance.

Be original. There are no books and guidelines to this. Just understand your partner’s desires and act accordingly.

Play Teacher. Teach each other all you know about the game of love. Men love to be taught how to kiss, hug, cuddle and make long slow love. Women generally tend to be a bit shy but very eager to learn how to please their partners.

Drop inhibitions. A shy partner can be very tender but prolonged inhibitions can be very boring. It’s just you and your partner. So go ahead and get kinky!

Dress for the occasion. Gals, go buy that sheer negligee you saw at the lingerie store. This will wake up even a sleeping partner. Guys, go buy that sheer negligee for her!

Smell good. Perfumes are a turn-on. Body odour is a turn off. So invest in some good colognes and perfumes.

Watch a romantic film together. Snuggle and cuddle as you watch it and this will lead to bigger pleasures.

Get sensual. Go in for bath rubs, massages, bubble baths, scented candles and aromatic oils.

Paint each other. There are lots of designs to choose from. And you do not have to be a Picasso for this. Try edible body paints (chocolate flavoured to start with) to get your creative juices flowing.

Get adventurous. It doesn’t mean you have to practice the 'Kamasutra' page by page. But how about trying something simple? An easy start would be to blind fold each other and play the game of love.

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Kundan - Jewellery fit for a Queen!

The art of making Kundan Jewellery found great patronage during the Mughal Era.

The Royal Maharajas  of India and their Ranis  lived lives fit for... well, Kings! The art of making Kundan  Jewellery found great patronage during the Mughal Era and some of the world's most mersmerising pieces of jewellery were created in those times. India was often called the "Golden Bird" thanks to the availability of the precious metal as well as its mystical usage in the creation of fascinating ornaments.

Kundan  Jewellery is one of the oldest forms of jewellery making. It is made and worn in India, specifically around Jaipur and Bikaner, in 24 carat pure gold. Kundan  is a method of gem setting, consisting of inserting a gold foil between the stones and its mount.
The purest, softest gold is hammered into very fine sheets and literally mounded around the stones to encase them and hold them in place. Light strikes the precious stones only from above dulling their shine. So, to provide depth and refraction a piece of gold or silver foil is placed under the stone making it glow.

Benefits:

• As compared to the Western-style bezel or claw setting, Kundan  gives the craftsman the freedom to use irregular shapes and sizes. Thus the time and labour needed to create each setting separately to the size of the stone is saved.
• A stone thus needs to be only minimally sized and can retain its original look.
• Additionally, Kundan  enables work to be carried out without soldering or applying heat. The Gold or Silver in which the Kundan  is embedded is soft enough that the stones can be encased simply by pressing them.

The process of kundan making

The Enamellings Process itself needs an entire team of specialist to all pool in their various skills. First, the designer selects a design as per the client's requirements and passes it to the goldsmith. The Goldsmith creates the gold stencil and gives it back to the designer who outlines the pattern on the gold surface and burnishes it, to make it stand out.

Now the engraver comes into the picture. His is the job which requires maximum skill and precision. Champleve  - is a technique used by the engraver to lower those areas of the metal that will take the enamel by carving them out. These lowered surfaces are hatched with fine parallel lines to enable thorough fusion between colour and metal, to add to the visual delight as the hatchings enchance the play of light over the transparent colours.

The Meenakar  or enameller is the next in line. He fills in the enamel colours in the lowered surfaces, thereby evening the surface and fusing it to the gold with repeated firings. Since the enamels are of varying hardness and thus require different temperatures for fusing, they must be fired separately - that from hardest highest temperature to softest lowest temperature. Cooling is as important as heating: a flow at this stage could crack the enamel or render it undesirably opaque.

The usual colour sequence begins with white and runs through blue, green, black and yellow before reaching red, rich ruby the signature colour of Jaipur enamelling. It achieves an unmatched brilliance and clarity. "The purer the gold, the richer the colour," goes an old saying, and the red Meena  of Jaipur is applied only to a high karat gold.

Once the enamelling has been completed the surfaces must be polished. The kundan  setter then asks the Patua  or stringer, to thread the pieces with strings and make them a ready-to-wear stunning piece of art!

Today the finest Kundan  jewellery is made in Bikaner & Jaipur, in Rajasthan. The Historical significance associated with this jewellery, that it was once worn by only Kings and Queens, is what makes it so attractive. As those who have it will tell you, Kundan  jewellery, like wine only gets better with time.

Despite the trend for fusion and IndoWestern jewellery in our culture, on occasions like Wedding and Festivals, Indian women prefer the traditional and the Royal Ethnic look - Kundan  it is!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Diet in real life

In the rush to satisfy daily hunger and desires, we may succumb to less healthy choices.

Jyoti Mehta She is a practising dietitian with Weigh To Live since the last 10 years. Her diets are personalised and are planned according to the individual's needs, lifestyle, and personal diet history. Have a question? Click here...

Tips for busy people

Are you a workaholic? A couch potato? A fussy eater? Here are some real life solutions for all types of people.

With the amount of scientific research reports we get, we know that nine servings of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or non-fat foods, calcium, exercise etc., etc. are the right choices to make to remain healthy. However good our intentions are, sometimes that is just not possible. In the rush to satisfy daily hunger and desires, we may succumb to less healthy choices. Making an effort to eat healthy does not mean abandoning our lives. All it takes is devising a plan keeping in mind the nutritional goal and the hurdles that can prevent you from success.

Being busy, should not keep you from your goal!
Demands of work, family, and community can keep people from preparing for healthy meals. This is true for workaholics, super moms and dads, overachievers, frequent travellers, and a host of other people trying to beat the clock. Because of their lack of time, these folks often turn to quick-fix foods that are high in fat, sugar, sodium, or calories, and low in essential nutrients. The solution isn't to find more time, but to work with the schedule you have.

Here are some more healthy tips for busy people:

• Cook a bigger batch of food on the weekends, and refrigerate or freeze for weekday consumption.
• Set an alarm for mealtimes. Even if you're buried in a project, don't skip meals; designate a time to eat.
• Try not to do anything else while eating. Mindless consumption prevents the enjoyment of food. When that happens, people tend to eat more and eat unhealthy alternatives.
• Put fresh or dried fruit where you can see it to remind yourself of your goal to eat healthy. Bananas, grapes, and apples make handy and nutritious snack items.
• If at a restaurant, turn down the fried and rich options and go for baked or steamed foods like idlis.
• Keep handy snacks around, such as fruits, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, popcorn, and kurmura.

Fussy eaters can eat healthy too!
These people can be very particular about what they put in their mouths. They may not like certain textures, tastes, or preparations of food. They may wince at healthy options such as fruits and vegetables, low-fat, low-sugar, or low-calorie products.

Or they may shun everything but their certain set of comfort foods. Trying something new does not mean going for the exotic. Make a list of fruits, vegetables, meats, and other foods that might be acceptable for you to try. You may not like apples, but how about grapes or pears?

If you don't like food prepared a certain way, try it raw - if applicable - or presented in another way. You could also combine new foods with already favored edibles. Some vegetables can be made into soups so that you do not have to eat the raw foods and you can mask the taste with condiments. When trying new foods, go easy on yourself. Check out a new dish every week as opposed to every day.

Tips for couch potatoes:
You love your TV shows, and can't think of a better way to relax after a hard day's work. Studies have found a strong relationship between tube-watching and obesity. Perhaps it's because TV viewing is a sedentary activity.

Or maybe it's because people tend to eat mindlessly in front of the screen. If you're sitting in front of the TV, and you rip open a bag of chips, it's very easy to eat the entire bag of chips and not really think about what you're doing, because your main focus is not on what you're eating, but on what you're watching. Substitute chocolates and chips for light popcorn and fruits. Also try yogurt or sweets made of paneer  /  chana  instead of ice cream.

Tips for junk food addicts:
Healthy meals and snacks ahead of time are crucial for people who want to curb their junk food cravings. Some junk food junkies just fall into that habit, because there's nothing else around and many times it is the result of boredom. The trick is to keep yourself occupied. Also it takes only a few seconds to turn away from the offending foods. Sometimes the desire to eat a certain kind of food leads one to junk food. In place of chips, the crunch-lover could try chomping on light popcorn, whole grain crackers, roasted gram ( chana ) or carrot sticks. For the sweet tooth, fresh fruits, and dried fruits are options. If you have to have chocolate, keep a small quantity of little individually wrapped chocolates, because they can give enough satisfaction, but can discourage overindulgence as it takes effort to open up each morsel.

If you have no option but to eat out, try healthier versions of the food. For example, when ordering pizza, go light on the cheese and order a salad to go along with your meal. At Chinese restaurants, ask the chef to use less oil. Order vegetables, and go easy on the rice, noodles, and deep-fried foods. For soups, go with the broth-based option. Choose tomato sauce as opposed to cream sauce for pasta. Go for tandoor  cooked foods rather than deep-fried. With well-balanced meals, we usually feel more positive about our surroundings and ourselves. Indeed, no matter where you are on the spectrum of healthy eating, it is possible to make a positive change without drastically changing your lifestyle. Make enough of these small changes in your diet over time, and a healthy body won't have to be just an ideal. It can become reality.

Jyoti Mehta will answer your queries every fortnight. Ask now!

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Slimming meals

Our chef whips up some mouth-watering 'slimming meals' to help you keep in great shape and yet not lose out on taste.

When the whole world has awakened to the advantages of healthy eating why should you be left out? In this issue our chef whips up some mouth-watering 'slimming meals' to help you keep in great shape and yet not lose out on taste.

Recipes:

Dhingri Soya Saag

Ingredients:
Boiled pureed palak - 2 cups
Soya bean chunks - 1/4 cup (boiled)
Oil - 2 tsp.
Onion paste - 2 tbsp.
Fresh mushrooms - 1 cup (quartered)
Bay leaf - 2 nos.
Cinnamon - 1" thick
Garlic paste - 1 tsp.
Garam masala powder - 1 tsp.
Salt - to taste

Method:

• Heat oil in a kadai, add the whole garam masala, sauté for a second, add the garlic paste, onion paste. Fry for 2 minutes, add the palak puree, garam masala powder. Salt to taste.
• Add the boiled soya, and the mushrooms. Mix, cover and simmer cook for 10 minutes. Adjust salt. Remove and serve.

Variation:
Low fat paneer , broccoli, capsicum, is a good combination. Non-veg. - boneless chicken cubes

Lauki Aur Makai Ka Soweta

Ingredients:
Lauki / Dudhi - 1 no.

For the Stuffing:
Corn kernels - 1 cup (canned)
Green chillies - 1 tsp. chopped
Chopped mint - 1 tsp.
Cumin powder - 1 tsp.
Salt - to taste
Oil - 1 tsp.

For Gravy:
Scooped pulp of lauki - 1/2 cup pureed
Jeera seeds - a pinch
Oil - 1 tsp.
Whipped low fat curds - 1/2 cup
Saffron - 2 gms.
Chopped coriander - 2 tsp.
Garam masala powder - 1 tsp.
Coriander powder - 1 tsp.

Method:

• Heat oil in a pan, sauté jeera, add the green chilies, corn, sauté for 2 mins., add mint, salt to taste. Remove cool.
• Peel the lauki and prepare small cups out of it, scoop out the pulp and keep aside.
• Stuff the corn mix into the lauki cups and steam / poach in simmering water for 5-7 mins, or until cooked / ideally bake.
• To prepare the gravy, heat the oil in a pan add the jeera seeds, add the pureed lauki, cook for 2 mins, add the powdered masalas , salt to taste, simmer add the whipped curds, cook on slow flame, add the saffron, check for salt.

To Serve
Arrange the stuffed lauki cups on a plate, pour the delicious low cal gravy on top, serve hot.

Variations:
Chicken mince with capsicums.

Tak-A-Tak Veggies

Ingredients:
Shredded cabbage - 2 cups
Shredded carrots - 1/4 cup
Shredded red, green, yellow capsicums - 1/2 cup
Slit green chilies - 2-3 nos.
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp.
Oil - 2 tsp.
Curry leaves - 8-10 nos.
Desiccated coconut - 2 tbsp.
Chopped coriander leaves - 2 tbsp.
Raisins - 2 tsp.

Method:

• Heat oil in a kadai, add the curry leaves, mustard, and jeera seeds, let them crackle for a few seconds. Add the shredded veggies, sauté on high flame for a minute, add the powdered masalas , salt to taste, cover and simmer, cook for 5 mins. add the desiccated coconut, mix well, add coriander leaves. Remove and serve hot.

Variation :
Cauliflower and green peas is a good combination too.

Machi / Fish Be Misaal.

Ingredients:
Pomfret fish - 2 nos.

For the Marinate:
Lime juice - 2 tbsp.
Red chilli powder - 1 tbsp.
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp.
Coriander powder - 2 tsp.
Salt - to taste
Chaat masala - 2 tsp.
Oil - 2 tsp.

Method:

• Clean and wash the fish well.
• Make deep insertions, cuts on the fish using a knife to allow the marinate to penetrate well.
• In a bowl mix together the powder masalas  with the lime juice and oil, apply it well on the fish. Keep aside for 20 mins.
• Heat a non-stick pan, lightly grease it and cook the fish on both sides in it. Ideally bake.
  Serve with onion rings, lemon slices, mint coriander chutney .

Variation:
Try stuffing with an onion mixture, cooked with the powdered masalas.

Content Courtesy ShaadiTimes

Kaviraj Khialani