Posts in category: Life Style

We’re used to thinking of snacks as something for children. Pediatricians have insisted so much on their importance in ensuring adequate energy intake for children that we would never forget to put a snack box in their schoolbags. However, as we grow older, we end up eliminating this practice from our own diets, even though our afternoons are certainly no less demanding than when we were children. In reality, reviving the habit of that snack (and the break it gives you) is a choice that can prove beneficial not only from a nutritional standpoint but also for mental wellbeing. Below, we explain the benefits of this habit, how to practice it to make it truly healthy (even as an alternative to dinner if you practice intermittent fasting ) and some delicious suggestions.

1. It’s a rewarding break

The Latin word for sacking, “merenda,” literally means “something deserved.” It was originally a smaller meal reserved for those who had completed a task or had a demanding day. In several historical accounts, we find this term referring to the light ration that Roman soldiers received after training or service; a practice that served as a reward and a means of energy recovery. Today, behavioral science is moving in the same direction with reward systems being studied by psychology and neuroscience demonstrating that introducing short breaks improves motivation, reduces fatigue and encourages adherence to healthy routines.

An apple might remind your mind to pause: an act of self-care that acknowledges the work you’ve done. A simple walnut is a source of immediate energy that keeps your brain alert. Whole-grain toast with avocado and seeds isn’t just a boost of fibre and micronutrients, it’s what will keep you from ending the day feeling deprived.

2. Reduces anxiety and mental fatigue

In a world plagued by obesity, (WHO data for 2022 indicated more than 1 billion cases worldwide, with 43% of the adult population overweight) it may seem counterintuitive to add more food in the day. But far from being a pointless indulgence, snacking can become an effective tool for reducing the internal tension associated with pent-up hunger. Sometimes, when going for several hours without food after a large meal, the body generates waves of appetite that activate the brain’s reward centers and trigger impulsive eating behaviors, including snacking on ultra-processed foods and feeling restless until dinner. A nutritious snack bridges the gap between lunch and dinner, keeps anxiety at bay, stabilises glucose levels and reduces mental fatigue.

3. Maintains stable energy levels

Glucose stability affects our daily rhythm more than we think, especially with increasingly long workdays that require energy. Glucose comes primarily from foods rich in quality carbohydrates: fruits, vegetables, legumes, oats, whole-grain bread, nuts and serves as direct fuel for the brain. When too many hours have passed since the last meal, glucose levels drop and the recognisable signs of an energy crash appear: irritability, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking and increased vulnerability to stress. A balanced snack helps keep the curve stable and avoid those slumps that make us feel like we can’t cope when we need to be giving our best.

4. Prevents those midnight hunger pangs

Skipping meals on a busy day can lead to bingeing at night. This is where mini snack pouches can come in clutch. It doesn’t have to be something that requires a lot of effort; a cucumber, organic granola, overnight oats, veggie sticks with hummus, a multigrain peanut butter sandwich can all save you from losing your mind, as well as your metabolic balance (and you scarf them down easily without worrying about work getting delayed.)

The snack-dinner solution (if you want to practice intermittent fasting)

Intermittent fasting is based on the theory that going as many hours as possible without eating anything between meals gives the body a reasonable amount of time to reset without active digestion. The most common approach is to eat dinner early or breakfast late (or not at all), which makes things easier since sleep hours are added to the total count. The most recent studies on this type of food restriction agree that the effects begin to manifest once a minimum window of 12-14 hours is exceeded. Below this threshold, the metabolic response is much more limited and the same changes in appetite regulation, energy or certain health markers are not observed. If you make your snack your last meal of the day, you will be able to comfortably respect the 12-14 hour window.

However, if you want to avoid suffering from hunger in the morning, your snack must be nutritionally complete, like a dinner. If you are not very clear about what that snack-dinner should be like, the most useful reference is the Harvard Plate, a guide created by experts at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Its proposal does not dictate calories or rigid portions, but an easy-to-visualise structure: half of the plate should be made up of fresh fruits and vegetables (better if they are seasonal), a quarter by quality protein like fish, chicken, eggs, tofu and the last quarter by whole-grain carbohydrates, such as quinoa, brown rice or 100% whole-grain bread. A small amount of healthy fats, preferably olive oil can be added to this and water is essential. This composition not only balances satiety and stabilises energy, but also avoids heavy digestion and favours a more restful night.

Do I need a snack? How can I tell?

If you’re unsure whether to snack or not, the answer lies not so much in rules as in what your body dictates. Research on intuitive eating agrees on one essential point: when you pay attention to hunger and satiety cues (the real ones, not those resulting from stress or fatigue) your nutritional decisions become more balanced and less impulsive. If you feel irritable, tend to lose concentration, feel an inexplicable emptiness or the urge to eat the first thing you find, it’s not a lack of willpower, but suppressed hunger. On the other hand, if you get to the evening with sustained energy, without hearing that inner voice calling for help, you may not need to eat at all. The key is to distinguish between necessity and pure impulse. Listening to yourself, truly listening, is what our body asks us to do.

What time should I have a snack?

As for when we should have a snack, the general rule of thumb is to eat it at least two hours after the previous meal and two hours before the next , so as to maintain stable energy levels. Therefore, ideally, it should be between 4 and 5pm. If the snack replaces dinner, the timing will depend on the time of breakfast the following morning, keeping in mind that, as we’ve mentioned, intermittent fasting requires a minimum interval of 12-14 hours between meals to be effective.

5 examples of healthy snacks

1. Plain yogurt with homemade applesauce and walnuts
A base of plain unsweetened yogurt, two tablespoons of homemade compote (cooked apple with a touch of cinnamon) and a small handful of walnuts. It provides protein, fibre and healthy fats, without feeling heavy.

2. Whole wheat toast with ricotta, tomato and olive oil

A lightly toasted whole wheat slice, ricotta or cottage cheese, thin slices of tomato and a drizzle of olive oil. Satisfying and ideal for endless days.

3. Hummus with cut vegetables

Homemade hummus (pre-prepared with chickpeas, lemon, tahini and olive oil) accompanied by carrot, celery or cucumber sticks. It provides fibre, vegetable protein and a lot of stability in the glucose curve.

4. Whole-grain bread with almond butter and banana slices

This snack combines complex carbohydrates with healthy fats and is perfect if you need your brain most alert in critical stretches of the afternoon.

5. Oatmeal, pure cocoa and date energy balls

They are made by mixing oatmeal, crushed dates, pure cocoa and a touch of nut butter. Form into small balls and store in the refrigerator. They offer extra energy without added sugar but their caloric content is high, so the key is in the quantity.

Despite the fact that every new season brings out a range of the latest style trends, there are certain patterns that will never go out of style. When it comes to bringing comfort, tradition, and modern style, the digital print salwar suits are a remarkable choice that ought to be taken into consideration. People who care about style love block prints and handwork; however, today`s fashionable women love bold digital prints for their expressive designs, shiny colors, and standout looks.

These garments do not simply show off your culture; in addition, they show who you are, how innovative you are, and the way confident you are. Whether you have a party, lunch, or a fashionable occasion at work, a digital print salwar fit will make every person look at you.

Digital printing has transformed the world of ethnic wear. Unlike conventional methods, digital printing allows designers to experiment with colours, graphics, abstract art and intricate motifs with unmatched precision.

Here’s why these salwar suits are currently in demand:

• Limitless design possibilities
• High-quality colour vibrancy and durability
• Lightweight, comfortable fabrics
• Modern and versatile appeal

From floral fantasy to geometric drama, every print is powerful, innovative, and exquisite.

Indian cultural clothing is classic; however, fashionistas need something new.

Digital print salwar suits beautifully combine both worlds:

• Traditional silhouettes with a modern print twist
• Classic cuts with trendy aesthetics
• Cultural symbols in vibrant colors

This blend makes them perfect for younger trendsetters and elderly fashion lovers who appreciate minimalist styles.

Unique photograph designs are a primary function of digital printing. Vivid digital designs are for those who are tired of pastel colors and repeating patterns.

Some popular styles you’ll find:

• Florals with a Modern Edge

Large flowers, piled blooms and unusual botanical designs are youthful.

• Abstract & Artistic Motifs

For the woman who loves to experiment, abstract prints make fashion fun and interesting.

• Geometric & Structured Designs

Bold lines, curves, and symmetry are trendy.

• Ethnic & Heritage Patterns

A virtual Mughal, paisley, and mandala interpretation.

An ambitious print enhances your style—massive and bold or sensitive and refined.

The salwar suits made with virtual printing are both stylish and practical. Designers use cotton, muslin, georgette and crepe year-round because they breathe.

Some highlights include:

• Light and portable
• Easily portable and wrinkle-resistant
• Perfect for long wear
• Effortlessly stylish yet functional

Digital print suits are perfect for individuals who choose comfort over style.

The versatility of virtual print salwar suits is unmatched. You can style them for:

1. Casual Outings

Go for quirky prints in pastel or bright hues — relaxed and stylish.

2. Office Wear

Combining gentle styles or floral motifs with precision tailoring is stylish and professional.

3. Festive Events & Weddings

For an ethnic, elegant style, use dramatic, rich designs with elaborations and textured materials.

4. Holiday & Resort Wear

Colorful, simple designs provide the precise stability of style and ease.

Vibrant digital print suits increase self-assurance and draw attention on every occasion.

The ability to drag out significant prints requires that you have both balance and courage. Use these design recommendations to appear your best:

Let the print be the hero. Statement earrings or a sleek bracelet are enough.

• Choose the Right Footwear

You have to choose shoes that are suitable for the event, regardless of whether or not you’re wearing kolhapuris, juttis, wedges, or block heels.

A printed kurta paired with a solid shrug, denim jacket, or ethnic stole adds character.

Go subtle for day events or add bold lips and kohl for evening glam.

Wearing a narrow belt can transform your photo instantaneously.

Patterns that can be formidable can also shine on their own, so that they do not require numerous decorations.

Unlike heavily embroidered ethnic wear that stays locked up until weddings, digital prints can be worn repeatedly, season after season without feeling outdated.

They are:

• Affordable
• Trendy
• Long-lasting
• Low-maintenance
• Extremely versatile

The perfect combination of style and practicality, they may be a vital element of every modern outfit.

Digital print salwar suits allow fashionistas to express themselves with color and flair. There are prints for every mood, from critical to amusing to edgy to romantic. Each one suggests what form of individual you are and how you feel.

So, in case you need to stand out, choose clothes that are both bold and well-made. Your salwar suits will make you stand out, whether or not you want fancy pastel designs or new graphic patterns.

Because they arrive in so many patterns and designs, digital print salwar suits are changing the way traditional style is done. Their contemporary popularity is likely to hold for an indefinite period of time. They allow you to show off your flair at formal or casual occasions without feeling unpleasant.

Therefore, include the courage. Enjoy the beauty. Add digital prints to your ethnic garments to make them appear better. This will make human beings appear and admire you everywhere you go.

You didn’t sign up for this, or so you think, Taurus. At a soul level, this is exactly what you need. It will stretch you beyond your limiting beliefs and help you unlock new levels to your being. You wanted to learn boundaries, so the cosmos gave you constriction. You wanted to learn about finances, so the cosmos placed you in a situation that would force you to do this. As you soar above your daily woes, you see something in the far distance and nope, this is not a mirage. This is you really seeing the full potential of what you could be and what your life could feel like. Your relationships are healing, perhaps even on the work front partnerships and bonds might be strengthening and this is all for the better, Scorpio. Douse yourself in the entire spectrum of who you are and where you’re at in life—without guilt or shame attached. You’ve been working hard to get here, Sag, and now that you are here, are you wondering where to go next? Too many options on the table? Too many ideas? Is it getting too confusing? Shed old skin, slither away from obligatory engagements so that you have the headspace to pick what you feel drawn to. Soul searching is great, but at some point the search leads you to remember that you are already a soul that is alive, existing and perfect. It is at this point in time that you must remember to pause and simply enjoy what you hold in your hands, Aquarius. With this remembrance pick up your wand once again and ask yourself what it is that you’re capable of but scared to embark on.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you, and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

The moon affects your energy, Aries. Believe it or not, it does. So the recent full moon may have left you feeling like you are in a state of overflow—be it in nurturing yourself or others. Perhaps you feel a tad emotional and your relationship sector has become activated—social, community, personal, intimate—the entire spectrum. Now that you have accepted that you love being a squishball, will you finally please allow love to pour in? The Universe has a long term plan for you—-set it in motion already, please.

Cosmic tip: Create music when you are given things that can make noise. The same applies to life.

You didn’t sign up for this, or so you think, Taurus. At a soul level, this is exactly what you need. It will stretch you beyond your limiting beliefs and help you unlock new levels to your being. You wanted to learn boundaries, so the cosmos gave you constriction. You wanted to learn about finances, so the cosmos placed you in a situation that would force you to do this. You wanted to experience deep gratitude for your body and hence, the cosmos gave you a challenge that made you focus on it. Pick up your staff and take on life now. You are equipped to transform this into what you want to create.

It began in the autumn of 2021, at a dinner in Manhattan that was meant to be an ordinary evening among friends and family. By the end of it, Ankur Patel was certain this was the start of something lasting. Sagiri Gidwani, thoughtful and measured, took a little longer. What followed were evenings at her favourite restaurants, long walks through Central Park and puppy playdates with Patel’s dog. The rhythm between them built steadily. In the summer of 2022, at a small Italian restaurant in the West Village, they made their relationship official.

Two years later, Patel proposed on the Côte d’Azur. Gidwani had flown directly from a work trip in Milan and wasn’t expecting anything more than a holiday. On a terrace at Château de La Chèvre d’Or in Èze–the sea stretched across the horizon, a brief shower passing through–Patel went down on one knee.

When they began planning their wedding, they knew they wanted a celebration rooted in Indian tradition yet shaped by the life they had built in New York. Istanbul emerged as the place where all of it could coexist. Once they saw Çırağan Palace Kempinski, with its Bosphorus views and blend of heritage and modernity, the decision to have their wedding in Istanbul was made.

They took on the planning themselves. Gidwani shaped the design and visual language with an instinct sharpened by years in luxury communications. Patel built the musical structure of the weekend, curating playlists that blended afrohouse, alternative RnB, garba and Punjabi drill. Their families shaped the menus, and their event designer, Sebnem Mardini, translated every detail on-ground.

Before Istanbul, they each had their own haldi ceremonies. The wedding in Istanbul opened with an intimate mehndi. Guests received Jaipur block-print totes filled with Turkish snacks and small travel essentials. For the welcome dinner the next evening at Madhu’s Istanbul, they kept the tone warm and familiar. There was a live pani puri station, a Darbuka performance, a belly dancer and a room full of people ready to start the weekend. Gidwani wore a mint-green Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor cape sharara with heirloom jewellery. Patel’s Tarun Tahiliani bandi set picked up the same palette.

The Sangeet took place the following night at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus. Guests arrived by boat after a slow sail along the water. The terrace had been transformed with draped fabrics, lanterns, terracotta details and canopied lounges. The dress code, “Colours of Istanbul”, filled the night with saturated tones. The menu drew from Turkish and Mediterranean flavours with Asian touches. Gidwani wore an ivory Anushree Reddy organza lehenga with pearl work. Patel chose a midnight-navy velvet Varun Bahl bandhgala with embroidered detailing. Bollywood music moved the evening along, with performances from family and friends.

In 2020, out of nowhere, I suddenly stopped being able to sleep. Not sleeping for one night is irritating. Not sleeping for months on end is an entirely different psychological horror. It’s a bone-deep exhaustion that wears you down in ways you didn’t know were possible. If you’ve been struggling with insomnia, you know the specific kind of madness it creates.

It cost me far more than just rest. I couldn’t go out, couldn’t focus, couldn’t function. If one more person had suggested “that I just go to the gym and tire myself out,” I would’ve thrown a dumbbell at them.

Out of desperation, I began trying every sleep aid, therapy, treatment and supplement I could find. Melatonin did absolutely nothing for me, so I had no choice but to look beyond the usual recommendations. And out of the 20 (or 30) things I experimented with over the years, these were the few that genuinely made a difference, especially when paired with basic sleep hygiene (limiting screen time, a consistent bedtime and a daily wind-down routine.)

1. Magnesium

Magnesium has become extremely popular in recent months. While magnesium supplements have now become very accessible, they come in several forms that all have different absorption rates and purposes. I tried out a few forms like glycinate, citrate and L-threonate. While glycinate was great, my favourite by far has been topical application through magnesium lotions and best of all, Epsom salt foot soaks. This way, I don’t face the risk of an unhappy stomach and the soak works well right before bed. A 2017 study claims that magnesium is best absorbed through the skin and I’ve experienced that firsthand. My muscles were noticeably relaxed and I felt soothed and calm after long days.

2. Reishi mushrooms

When I first read about Reishi, I wasn’t sure what to expect. A mushroom didn’t sound like a sleep aid, but out of everything I tried, this was one of the most reliable in improving the quality of my sleep. Reishi is an adaptogen, which means it helps regulate the stress response rather than making you drowsy. It won’t put you to sleep on the spot. What it does is help you stay asleep longer and cycle into deeper rest once you actually fall asleep. When paired with magnesium, it made my nights feel less erratic.

3. Craniosacral therapy

Deep in my search for alternative therapies, I came across Craniosacral Therapy (CST). It is a gentle, hands-on practice that uses very light touch around the skull, spine and pelvis to relieve tension. It works by focusing on the rhythmic pulse of the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord to release blockages and stress. It sounds odd when you first hear about it but man, does it work like magic.

CST helped release deep physical tension I didn’t even know I was carrying. It does take 6-7 sessions to really feel the difference, but each session left my body feeling more regulated. For someone whose insomnia was tied to chronic stress, this therapy made a significant difference in how settled I felt before bedtime.

4. Acupuncture

This is probably the treatment that created the biggest shift for me. By the time I tried acupuncture, I was far beyond being afraid of needles. I just wanted to sleep. So, I found an experienced acupuncturist and after about 4-6 sessions, I started experiencing really big changes. My sleep went up to three or four hours a night (which, given where I had started, felt like a major breakthrough.) On top of that, my migraines and vertigo that had been worsening during my insomnia, started improving too. Acupuncture helped regulate my system in a way nothing else had. I still go in for a session every now and then and always come away feeling healed in a way.

5. Meditation and breathwork

No one wants to hear this and I understand why. We all want a simple pill or supplement that solves everything. But the reality is that chronic sleep issues often point toward a dysregulated nervous system and no supplement alone can permanently fix that.

There’s no one way to dress well. We arrive at it through instinct, experiments, the pull of heritage and the urge to push back. Clothes can hint at how you want to be read and sometimes reveal more than planned.

Fashion doesn’t live only on runways, in magazines or on racks. It’s expressed by icons whose style markers have become cultural landmarks; originals who have built a recognisable vocabulary by trusting their impulses over trends; tastemakers who shift whole groups towards new ways of dressing; people who create red-carpet moments that influence more than any algorithm; people whose street style stands out even when the setting is casual; families who show that style can be a shared language; and global voices who remind us that Indian style is not confined by any border.

The Vogue Best Dressed 2025 list gathers people whose style leaves a trace, whether the moment is formal or fleeting.

Family

Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor

Sisters Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor’s collaboration has given us some of fashion’s most memorable looks. Together, they work with an instinct for textiles and storytelling, treating every appearance as a study in how Indian craft can hold its own regardless of the stage. The ensembles may reference archives, ateliers and family heirlooms, but the styling is never static and the past year marked a natural evolution of that. Sonam’s appointment as a Dior ambassador in 2024 placed her front and centre at some of the maison’s biggest moments, and Rhea shaped those appearances with a steady hand. They experiment with silhouettes, local and global, often championing homegrown designers and craft techniques. The Sonam-Rhea partnership continues to raise the bar for how Indian style moves across the world.

In July this year, Gurinder Chadha revealed that a sequel to her 2002 smash hit, Bend It Like Beckham, is in the works. The internet went wild. Major news outlets picked up the story, fans gushed across online chats and social media platforms lit up with excitement. The UK’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport weighed in as well, calling the announcement “a brilliant moment for British film.”

Then came November. Chadha’s latest film, Christmas Karma, a Bollywood-inspired, star-studded musical twist on Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, opened in UK cinemas to a mixed reception. The Guardian gave it one star. The Telegraph gave it none. It’s only the second film ever to receive such a low rating from the paper. The last one was Cats.

Alia Bhatt walked the red carpet at the Red Sea Film Festival in a ready-made couture gown from Pierre Balmain’s Florilège line, a collection dating back to 1952. Dressed in classic black, the gown cinches at the waist, while her flowing hair added just the right touch of drama. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the gown featured a gentle scoop neckline with a close-fitting bodice that trails into a voluminous midi-length skirt.

Her makeup further highlighted the dreaminess of her look as she opted for a soft, dewy finish with a subtle blush and soft pink lips.

For the accessories, she kept it subtle: a diamond choker, minimal stud earrings, pointed black pumps and chic black sunglasses, yet effortlessly remaining within Balmain’s high-end vocabulary.

From Vogue’s fashion desk:

“Channeling Holly Golightly with a modern romantic twist, rethink Alia’s look with a black lace off-shoulder constructed corset top paired with black pedal-pusher cigarette capris for an edgier, flirtier take on the classic little black dress. Add thin-framed black sunglasses and black kitten heels to keep the vibe effortlessly refined, then finish with sleek hair pulled into a low bun with a soft front curl for a touch of vintage charm,” says Vogue India fashion associate Divya Balakrishnan.

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