By Papri Das

Pedestrians and sightseers at the busy streets in Mumbai were taken by quite the surprise when model turned actor, entrepreneur and self confessed fitness fanatic Dino Morea paid them a visit on 15 July. The occasion was the launch of twelve open air fitness stations as part of his ?Get Fit Mumbai? that will be accessible at various points across the city, with the latest addition being the one at Marine drive. 

When asked about the initiative the muscle man promptly replied that this was his way to give to his city. ?I consider this as an opportunity to do something for my city and its citizens. These stations are aesthetic in design thereby adding to the city?s look and very effective while exercising,? he said.

Dino, who had earlier gotten Bollywood biggies and fellow celebrities like Hrithik Roshan to flex their muscles for his fitness stations, didn?t disappoint this time either. The launch saw Bollywood diva Jacqueline Fernandez and youth leader Shiv Sena chairperson Aaditya Thackeray having fun with the fitness gear at their disposal. 

?I?m grateful to Aaditya Thackeray who supported the initiative as it couldn?t have happened without him believing in the idea. I?m also thankful to Jacqueline who took time out from her busy schedule and being the fitness icon that she is, added immense value and will surely help spread the initiative,? added Morea while thanking the two.

After the world wide awareness program on yoga, fitness is finding a redefined position in the everyday life of the young Indians and the open gym comes as a unique concept to the ever busy city dwellers. ?It helps create awareness on health and since it is basic functional training, it?s the most effective form of training. Moreover, all those who cannot afford spending on gyms can use these stations. An added advantage of this fitness station is that you can enjoy free good outdoor workout in the open fresh air,? Dino adds in parting.

Mutton Tikka Masala, Paneer Kofta Makhanwala, Awadhi chicken Biriyani, fried dumplings and sizzlers-- do you feel your mouth watering already?How often do we find ourselves giving in to temptation and ending up indulging our olfactory organs to some mouthwatering but MSG rich junk food? And there are times when it?s not the gluttony within us, but the sloth that compels us to take the easier and less time consuming way out of hunger -- look up the closest fast food joint online and order! Those with a sweet tooth and a penchant for everything cheesy and creamy have the hardest time staying away from all the yummy desserts, which are also the highest contributor to your body?s calorie and fat meter.

One can?t really blame the foodies for having a hard time keeping themselves fit,. Especially when healthy food and tasty food sound contradictory, and almost all dining outlets care less about their customers? well-being and more about filling up tables. Just when you thought that you have to give up on your favourite white chocolate cake altogether, here?s an alternative -- restaurants that specialise their menu on a healthy diet.

 Exec Lifestyle has compiled a list of fitness friendly restaurants who offer you delicacies based on a healthy diet without compromising with taste. Take a look:

1. Flat Tummies:  

As the name suggests, this Mumbai based online food delivery service caters to a health conscious demography and is already a hit amongst the who?s who of the city. Some of their popular patrons include Mandira Bedi, Emraan Hashmi and Soha Ali Khan.

Started by food enthusiast and biotech scientist Monica Muthappa, who began cooking at the early age of 10, Flat Tummy specialises in gluten free, dairy free, chemical free food which is delicious and loaded with nutritious ingredients. Not to mention it is sugar-free and packed nicely in an eco-friendly package.

It was when Monica?s  husband became intolerant to gluten that she turned her attention towards healthy alternatives to ?junk?.

?I realized there are millions of people who have similar needs for nutrition and health but are deprived from it. They are not readily available in the market. This was the real motivation to make snacks that are very tasty but equally nutritious and low calorie,? she says.

Must Try: Vegan Ice creams in different flavours, ?Chocs Cherry Ferry?, a chocolate mousse based frozen dessert  Protein bars, Flaxseed Jam cookies and Choco Peanut Spread

2. The Protein Bake Shop

 Healthy diet isn't just to get that goddess like body and stay slim. Sometimes a low calorie diet isn't a choice but a necessity to keep your ailment in check, and Protein Bake Shop understands that well.

Started by a Dubai based nutritionist, Rashi Chowdhary, The Protein Bake Shop was launched keeping in mind the plight of those diagnosed with diabetes and the like.  ?I?ve seen eight year olds being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I?ve seen young teenage girls struggle with a negative body image due to insulin resistance and I?ve seen many adults succumb to the vicious never ending cycle of yo yo dieting,? Rashi points out. 

The best thing about this online bakery is that is guarantees to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health. 

She further explains, ?The Protein Bake shop products are high in healthy fatty acids, completely free of refined sugar, dairy and even whole wheat. Gluten-rich grains are replaced by gluten-free flours. Sugar is replaced by dates, figs and honey. In the protein power range Carbohydrates are kept under 10 grams and whey protein isolate is used to improve the carbohydrate to protein ratio.?

Must try: Almond cookies, Peanut Butter Slices, Chocolate stacks, Peanut Bites, Chia + Flaxseed Slices, Chocolate Mousse.

3. Apple A day:

?An apple a day keeps the doctor away,? is a proverb we are familiar with since our childhood, which stresses the importance of fresh fruits for our daily nutrition and well being. Plus, they are tasty. But in our fast paced life, we frequently resort to fruit juices instead, either at a popular juice parlor or from a supermarket in a tetra pack. Both the options more often than not contain added colour and preservatives.

That?s why we give you an alternative -- Apple A Day, a juice parlor in Mumbai which promises you fresh fruit juices without any added sugar and preservatives. And, unlike the other two, Apple A Day has an peppy looking kiosk where you can sit and sip on your favourite smoothie.

?I personally dislike places which offer juices with too much sugar added. It takes away from the nutrition value of the fruits,? says a spokesperson from the juice shop. ?Thus we at Apple A Day always strive to keep the essence of the fruits.?

Must Try: The mixed juices

4. Just Unjunk

 Let?s face it, who doesn?t like an occasional dose of fast food in their lives? Be it pizza, fried chicken or pasta from the MNC joints or the good old pakoras and samosas by the street,  junk food is something you can?t avoid for long.  And once you do, all your efforts at that new dieting fad go to waste.  

Thus the peeps at Just Unjunk have added a new twist to their menu and unjunked all the popular fast food items on it.

 ?Any food me by itself is not a junk food, but it is the method of preparation that makes it one,? says the food chain?s co-founder Yash Bhatia.  

?Take a samosa for an example. A fried samosa is unhealthy indeed but you can unjunk it by baking it which also retains the taste,? states Yash. 

He cofounded Just Junk with Divyesh Panchal and today it serves health conscious foodies in Mumbai?s Bandra and Lokhandwala Andheri areas through its two outlets. Walk in any time of the day and don?t be surprised if you bump into a celeb from the film and television industry.

Must try: Multi-grain Panini sandwiches

5. Diet N Taste

?Diet and Taste? -- these two juxtaposed words are what this outlet offer to its customers. A healthy menu keeping in mind the needs of the diet conscious foodies without compromising the taste. A favourite of many regulars who frequent this joint, Diet N Taste has garnered popularity amongst the fitness freaks in the city. With its wide range of of mouth watering delicacies it excels at maintaining quality, even  during heavy traffic hours. Among its fans is TV actor, anchor and celebrity Rithvik Dhanjani who mentions it as his favourite place to eat in the suburb of Andheri. 

Must try: The continental dishes

By Papri Das

The last weekend saw millions across the globe taking collective rhythmic deep breaths. Not to gasp over something but to celebrate International Yoga Day by practicing various asanas. The impact was such that 192 countries participated in it. Not to forget the awe inspiring act through which Prime Minister Narendra Modi led around 37,000 people to do yoga, setting a Guinness Book Record.

While the world and most of India reconnected with this ancient art of living afresh, there is someone who has been doing yoga right from childhood, and has received many accolades, penned many books and even trained several bollywood actors on how to attain a fit and healthy living through yoga. Fitness trainer, yoga instructor and author Payal Gidwani Tiwari calls her tryst with yoga as a spiritual calling.

We caught up with her on the launch of her latest book on World Yoga Day, Body Goddess, to find out how yoga has benefited her, and the many bollywood stars who train under her.

From interior designing to fitness trainer; how did this transition happen?
When I was in school I was not much into academics but physical education and sports played a major role for me. After I graduated it was time for me to choose a career path and back then physical education was not yet a sought after career choice. So I ended up studying interior designing. I did quite a few projects, but deep down I was not totally happy. Then in 2003, I decided to take up yoga as a way to good health keeping. At that time I had decided to try it out for 6 months as a trial and error method. To my surprise I was totally hooked on to it and decided on taking it further, and later I taught yoga in New Zealand for two months before coming back and starting my career as a fitness trainer. It has been over seven years and today yoga for me has brought about a change in my attitude and in physical dimensions.

What are the frequently asked questions or requests you get from your trainees?
Most people come to me seeking weight loss regimes and end up not only with the exercise bit but also the spiritual cleansing that is so integral to yoga. Many people think yoga doesn?t help you lose weight but it does. Several yoga postures have a greater degree of difficulty than most other forms of exercise.

I would like to mention that yoga not only helps u externally but internally too. All my students who have taken my class have found some form of self realization. Yoga is a way of living healthy. You need to practice it for a few years before you can achieve significant results. The best thing about yoga is that it helps you tone your muscles and also makes sure you don?t gain excess weight even if you get irregular in your regular routine.

What new to expect from your latest book, Body Goddess?

When I started writing my first book ?From XL to XS?, I took my clients as the baseline, taking into consideration their problems and situations. I realised people needed help and I couldn?t cater to every person around the globe individually. Therefore, I wrote the book in such a way that they could read it from their own perspective keeping their own situation in mind and relate to their problems better.

My second book that released on 21 June, World Yoga Day, called 'Body Goddess' is a complete guide on yoga for women. It?s focused on the beauty, health and well being of women, right from the ripe age of 15 years to 65+. This book addresses every issue pertaining to the age group of 15- 25, 25-35, 35-45 and so on because every decade a woman's body, mind and soul goes through a transformation. For example from 15-25 a woman goes through puberty, she changes physically, gets her periods and there is a certain level of emotional change as well. This book also deals with how yoga helps in those times.

Tell us about the celebrities you have trained so far. How serious do they take their yoga sessions?

All my celebrity clients are very disciplined and hard working. They are extremely committed to their workouts and it?s reflected in how it has enriched their lives and made them youthful and energetic. You can have a look at Sridevi who has been working with my husband Manish Tiwari for the past 10 years.

What is the best way to implement yoga for staying fit?

My method consists of eating healthy and exercising regularly which is the key to good health. What I do is help my trainees achieve their goals by guiding and setting workout sessions for them in the most healthy and beneficial way possible. Initially I focus on flexibility and stamina building which is often marked by some amount of weight loss. Special care must be given to each person separately as each one has a different metabolic rate, which makes some lose faster.

Healthy dieting tips that should go with yoga

There isn't any rigorous diet planning involved with yoga. However, if one follows these simple tips, the result is optimum.

1. Drink at least 4-5 litres of water daily along with a teaspoon of flax seeds every morning.

2. Maintain a balanced diet with right amounts of nutrients when it comes to your meals.

3. Don?t skip on exercise.  Exercise is a must six days a week (walking/ yoga/ cardio, or any form of exercise, etc)

4. Avoid coffee, tea and cigarettes and alcohol.

5. Start the day with fruit, nuts and milk.

6. Finish dinner at least two hours before going to sleep.

7. Eat what your body craves for, but eat in moderation

8. Substitute whole fruit for fruit juices.

A cutting masala chai is not just sipped and relished in India but professionals from all over the world including Asia Pacific, Europe and America drink different types of tea because of its health benefits. There are multiple tea varieties that help improve digestion, metabolism and even prevent certain diseases. Check out the five types of teas that executives love to drink.

1. Green Tea:

Green tea has become immensely popular worldwide. It is made from steamed tea leaves, which are simply heated to destroy the enzymes that cause oxidation. Green tea contains many vitamins and antioxidant properties of the fresh green tea leaf. It is healthy and delicious. Green tea?s antioxidants prevent clogging of the arteries, burn fat, counteract oxidative stress on the brain, reduce risk of neurological disorders like Alzheimer?s and Parkinson?s diseases, reduce risk of stroke and improve cholesterol levels.

2. Black Tea:

Many acquire a habit to add a bit of milk to their regular cup of tea but Black tea is mostly preferred amongst working professionals due to its many health benefits.  Made with fermented tea leaves, black tea forms the basis for flavored teas like chai and masala chai. Black tea protects lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It also may reduce the risk of stroke. Black teas include the world famous Assam tea, Darjeeling tea and Ceylon tea.

3. White Tea:

White tea is one of the most expensive teas in the world. The beverage comes from the same plant as green tea and has incredible health benefits. It is pale yellow in colour and is produced from unopened buds of tea shoots. White tea is said to have the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas. Studies show that white tea can thin the blood and improve artery function. It helps lower high blood pressure and guards against the ravages of stroke.

4. Oolong Tea:

Oolong was developed in Wuyi mountains of China?s Fujian region. A lot of people are fond the beverage?s refreshing aroma and fruity taste. Oolong tea is semi-oxidized and can be consumed hot or cold. It helps to control cholesterol levels and also improves oral health by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay and oral cancers. It is heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement as it enhances the metabolism of fat in the body. The daily consumption of oolong tea accelerates the process of lipolysis, which enables the body to burn more fat.

5. Pu-erh Tea:

Pu-erh Tea is known as a medicinal tea and is made from fermented and aged leaves. It is a compressed tea and just like wine, it becomes more and more pleasant as it ages. Pu-erh Tea is known for keeping the stomach fit and warm. The dried tea is aged in a dark location for many years. During this time, the tea undergoes a form oxidation in just the same way that wine is produced. Pu-erh tea has the ability to break down fatty foods and aids in digestion. It removes toxins from the stomach and offsets the negative impacts of heavy alcohol consumption.

They are successful and intelligent individuals with characteristic traits and rituals. Not only do they have the passion and drive to achieve what they want in life but also certain belief systems, which distinguish them from ordinary mortals. 

Whether it is waking up early or eating right, industry leaders share their unique life mantras that have helped them progress in the course of their individual journeys.    

?When my wife and I first came to our own house in Bangalore after marriage, an old couple told us that life is not about being 50-50; it is about knowing when to be 80-20 and when to be 70-30,? stated SapientNitro chief creative officer K V Sridhar.

Sridhar, who is fondly known as Pops by one and all, says that this mantra helped him in his personal and professional life. ?I have understood the value of relationships and this has helped in partnership dealings with clients,? he said.

Many industry leaders also try to spend enough quality time with family. Whether it?s over a meal or watching a movie together after working hours, they make it a point to prioritize and set aside time for people who matter in their lives. Top professionals also recognize that gradual preparations and planning will provide directions to their ultimate goal.

?To be successful, it requires one to be focused with great persistence on your goals. One needs to prioritize time, plan things and keep a disciplined lifestyle?, said the co-founder of indie musician service provider, Songdew.com?s Chinmayee Tripathi.

However, that should not deter one from taking risks.

?It is important to make mistakes. If you never make a mistake, you will never have the ability to take a risk and taking risks is an important aspect in the corporate world. I have made a couple of mistakes and I think some of them were good mistakes,? opined HBO managing director Monica Tata.

PING Network co-founder and director Rajeshree Naik throws light on the importance of mid-career education and how it really stimulates one?s thinking and opens the windows of the mind to new opportunities. ?One piece of advice I give to a lot of people who are in a mid-career crisis would be to go back to school and study. You have no idea the kind of stimulation it will provide you,? she asserted.

Top executives of many a corporation make it a point to meditate daily. One cannot deny the benefits of meditation, which include reducing stress levels and improving physical health. ?I meditate everyday, which is what keeps me focused,? shares Christian Dior Couture India, vice-president, marketing and communications Kalyani Chawla.

With rigorous schedules and heavy responsibilities at work, many of these successful professionals often draw strength and inspiration when they are living life to the fullest.

Chawla shared, ?Live for the present and try to make the best of it. The future is unpredictable but we have to be prepared. That is key.?

Mumbai: Yepme.com has launched its latest television commercial (TVC) featuring leading players of the West Indies cricket team. The campaign features Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels and Captain Jason Holder sporting the Yepme collection of #freshfashion and sharing their take on how it goes with the famed West Indian flair.

Yepme has sponsored the West Indies team in the ICC World Cup 2015 that is currently underway in Australia. The West Indies cricket team will play sporting the Yepme logo on their jerseys.

Yepme.com founder and COO Sandeep Sharma said, ?West Indies cricket stars like Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy and Andre Russel are known for their effortless style and have a massive fan following in our cricket-crazy nation. We are extremely proud of this association and look at this as an opportunity to spread the message about Yepme being the destination for the latest fashion with cricket lovers across the globe.?

The ICC Cricket World Cup commenced on 14 February. The Indian fans are now looking forward to the much-awaited encounter between India and West Indies next weekend, 6 March 2015 at WACA in Perth.