Latest news with #Tone30Pilates
Indian Express
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Someone remarked I looked like a buffalo': How this former Mrs India finalist lost 30kg weight and rebuilt her relationship with food after a serious injury
Hong Kong-based stand-up comedian Maitreyi Karanth, who is also a former Mrs India finalist, has inspired many with her dramatic weight loss transformation in just a year. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, this journey started two decades ago. While playing squash with a friend, Karanth ran to get a shot and slammed into a wall, experiencing severe bleeding and bruising deep in her chest muscles. The injury took months to heal and dramatically affected her mobility. A physically active person, she turned to food for comfort and ended up gaining 25kg. 'I still felt very pretty and continued to post pictures of myself on social media without feeling like I needed to hide any part of my body,' said Karanth, now 52. But as she returned to activities like squash and hiking, she noticed the toll the extra weight was taking. 'I realised how heavy I'd become.' Over the years, she endured painful comments: 'I really admire you — if I were you, I would not even go out,' someone told her. 'Another friend asked to look at my meal, because she wanted to know what I was eating 'to look like this'. And someone else remarked that I looked like a buffalo,' she recalled. But instead of retreating, she used these moments to reflect. 'I'd heard about intermittent fasting, and opted to eat just one meal a day. Initially, my daily meal wasn't particularly healthy, but as the extra weight came off, I felt a greater desire to prepare healthier meals. A typical meal consisted of a small amount of rice, some protein, like a hard-boiled egg, plenty of vegetables, some fruit and a bite-sized treat,' she told SCMP. After she began adjusting to her new eating routine and started to lose weight, she got back to enjoying her favourite physical activities. Within a year of following a one-meal-a-day plan and giving up alcohol completely, Karanth shed 30kg, bringing her weight down to 62kg. However, this came with its challenges and led her to switch to a more sustainable diet plan. 'It was hard not being able to snack between lunch and dinner, and I struggled with introducing alcohol back into my weekends without going overboard. I realised that I didn't have a good relationship with food. I was afraid to eat, and when I did eat, I didn't know my limits.' She added, 'I gained 7kg during this time, but then I went back to eating one meal a day and lost the extra weight in two months. Since then, I've tried to develop a healthier relationship with food. Now, I eat two meals a day and allow myself to have a little bit of everything,' she revealed. A post shared by Maitreyi Karanth (@maitreyi_karanth) Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutritionist at Tone 30 Pilates, tells 'Eating just one meal a day, also known as OMAD, can lead to short-term weight loss for some individuals due to a significant calorie deficit. However, for women over 50, it may not be the most sustainable or supportive approach for long-term health. At this stage of life, hormonal changes can impact metabolism, bone density, and muscle mass. Relying on just one meal a day might result in inadequate intake of essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and fiber, which are crucial during and after menopause. Instead of extreme restriction, a more balanced approach that includes small, nutrient-dense meals across the day tends to be more effective in the long run. ' 'This type of emotional relationship with food is more common than we often realise, especially among individuals who have been through years of dieting or societal pressure around body image,' says Joshi. To break this cycle, she suggests that it is essential to first rebuild trust with food. Practicing mindful eating is a powerful strategy. Working with a trained nutritionist or therapist can help unpack the emotional triggers behind food choices. It is also important to move away from labelling foods as good or bad, and instead focus on nourishment, satisfaction, and body awareness. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
24-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Natasa Stankovic and friend Aleksandar crush their weekday challenge with an intense workout; the benefits of step-based cardio
Dancer and model Natasa Stankovic recently shared a glimpse of her morning cardio routine, showcasing an intense workout session with her friend Aleksandar Alex Ilic. Sharing the clip, Natasa wrote in the caption, '#Mondaychallenge.' The video featured the duo performing exercises on an aerobic stepper, incorporating jumps and torso twists. Their routine combined basic yet effective movements that elevate heart rate and engage multiple muscle groups. Step-based cardio workouts are known for improving endurance, coordination, and overall cardiovascular health. But how effective are these exercises for long-term fitness goals? Dr Vajalla Shravani, MPT, fitness and Pilates expert at Tone30 Pilates, explains, 'Using an aerobic stepper introduces vertical movement that engages more muscle groups and increases workout intensity. Unlike floor-based exercises, stepping requires you to lift your body weight repeatedly, elevating heart rate and burning more calories.' A post shared by @natasastankovic__ This repetitive elevation enhances cardiovascular endurance while targeting lower body muscles like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Adding movements such as jumping and twisting further boosts calorie burn and improves coordination, making it a dynamic and effective workout. Proper form is crucial for maximising benefits and avoiding injuries. 'When performing step-based jumps, land softly with a slight bend in your knees to absorb impact and protect your joints,' says Dr Shravani. Keeping feet aligned and weight centered over the step helps maintain balance and reduces missteps. For torso twists, engaging the core and maintaining a neutral spine is essential. 'Avoid over-rotating to protect your lower back. Keep movements controlled rather than rushed to ensure stability and target the correct muscles,' she adds. Warming up and gradually increasing intensity can further prevent injuries. 'Holding light dumbbells during step routines adds upper body work and increases overall muscle engagement,' suggests Dr Shravani. Resistance bands can also provide extra tension for both the upper and lower body. Exercises like step-ups combined with squats or push-ups on the stepper effectively target multiple muscle groups. 'Performing slower, controlled movements maximises muscle contraction while keeping the heart rate elevated,' she notes. These modifications allow for a balanced mix of strength and cardio in one workout.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Sleep with a slight hunger': Tamil film star Silambarasan shares his fitness mantra at 42
At 42, Tamil actor Silambarasan TR — fondly known as Simbu — continues to draw attention not just for his performances but also for his lean, sculpted physique. Known for his dramatic weight loss transformation in 2020, the actor has since maintained a fit and disciplined lifestyle. When asked at a recent public event about his message for staying healthy, Simbu shared a perspective rooted in consistency and moderation. 'Actually, we can eat anything at this age,' he said according to the Hindustan Times, adding, 'Fitness is something that takes time, and there are no immediate problems right now. But don't take it for granted and spoil yourself, as you will struggle a lot later on.' He went on to offer one simple yet impactful piece of advice: 'Eat a little lighter at night, and even sleep with a slight hunger, and everything will be fine.' Simbu also warned against going to bed immediately after a heavy meal. His transformation journey has been nothing short of inspiring — shedding nearly 30 kilos in 2020 through early morning routines and dietary discipline. In an interview with the Times of India, his fitness trainer Sandeep Raj revealed, 'He starts his day at 4:30 am with a brisk walk, followed by a gym session targeting various body parts. Initially, we worked out four days a week, but now it's five days a week.' Raj also noted how Simbu made a switch to 'alkaline-rich, nutrient-dense foods,' adopted a 'calorie-deficient diet,' and even juiced salads he didn't enjoy — showing how determination and adaptability can work hand in hand. Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutritionist at Tone 30 Pilates, tells 'The idea of going to bed with a slight sense of hunger isn't inherently harmful and, in fact, can align with principles of mindful eating and digestion. Our metabolism naturally slows in the evening, so eating lighter at night may support better sleep quality and prevent late-night indigestion or bloating. For some individuals, it may also help avoid excess calorie intake, which supports long-term weight management.' A post shared by Silambarasan TR (@silambarasantrofficial) That said, 'slight hunger' should not be confused with skipping meals or going to bed with strong cravings or nutritional deprivation. 'It's important to ensure that the body is still getting enough nutrients during the day. Everyone's hunger cues are different, so listening to your body and maintaining overall dietary balance is key,' she asserts. A calorie-deficient, high-protein, low-carb diet can be effective in the short term for weight loss and muscle preservation, especially when paired with physical activity. For individuals over 40, this approach may support lean body mass and improve metabolic efficiency. 'However, long-term sustainability depends on the individual's health status, lifestyle, and how balanced the overall nutrition is. Extremely low-carb diets can sometimes lead to nutrient deficiencies or fatigue if not managed carefully. For people in their 40s and beyond, it's important to tailor any diet to support bone health, hormonal balance, and energy levels. Regular health check-ups and consulting a qualified nutritionist can help make such plans both effective and safe,' Joshi states. Focusing on alkaline-rich, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains is supported by solid nutritional science. 'These foods are naturally anti-inflammatory, fiber-rich, and packed with antioxidants — factors that are known to reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity,' explains the nutritionist. It's not about drastically altering the body's pH levels (which the body regulates on its own), but about improving overall food quality, which is indeed a valuable preventive health strategy. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘I switched it up': Madhuri Dixit's husband Dr Shriram Nene reveals he lost 18 kgs and brought body fat down to 16 percent after health scare; here's what he did
Sometimes, even doctors need a wake-up call. That's exactly what happened to actor Madhuri Dixit's husband Dr Shriram Nene, a cardiac surgeon and public health advocate, who recently revealed that his own annual check-up showed worrying results. Despite his deep knowledge of medicine, he found his own health slipping. The moment prompted him to radically shift his lifestyle — and the impact has been transformative. 'People were screaming at me because all my numbers were off,' he said in a video shared on his YouTube channel. 'They were like, 'Doc, what are you doing? You are the healthcare one in the family.'' That's when he decided to stop drinking, go vegan, and track the impact of these changes not just on himself, but using principles he'd tested on others. 'About 9-10 months ago, I switched it up and I went vegan, stopped drinking. We went on all kinds of transformations, testing it, and I was my own guinea pig,' he shared. In just a few months, Dr Nene lost 18 kgs and brought his body fat down to 16 percent. His inspiration? His own patients — and even his 86-year-old father. 'I had been testing it on hundreds of patients. And it was able to redefine many of the lifestyle diseases. My dad has been a diabetic for 55 years. We were able to take him off medication, turn him around,' he revealed. But, how safe is it for people to experiment with extreme lifestyle changes, even if they have medical knowledge? Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutritionist at Tone 30 Pilates, tells 'While self-experimentation can offer personal insights, it's important to remember that even medically trained individuals benefit from collaborative guidance when undergoing major lifestyle changes. Bodies respond differently to dietary shifts, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Shriram Nene (@drneneofficial) Even with medical knowledge, she explains that there's a risk of overlooking individual nutritional needs, underlying deficiencies, or pre-existing conditions. 'Working with a nutritionist or a lifestyle specialist ensures a more balanced approach that factors in long-term sustainability, not just short-term results.' How effective is a vegan diet in reversing or managing chronic conditions like obesity or diabetes? A well-planned vegan diet can be highly effective in managing, and in some cases improving, conditions like obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, admits Joshi. The key lies in choosing whole, nutrient-dense plant foods rather than relying on processed vegan alternatives. High-fibre, low-glycemic foods support blood sugar stability and satiety, which are crucial in managing chronic health issues. She cautions, 'That said, individuals should approach a plant-based transition thoughtfully. Key nutrients like Vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein must be consciously included, often through fortified foods or supplements. Regular blood work and dietary assessments can help monitor progress and ensure all nutritional bases are covered.' Ultimately, she mentions that going vegan should not be viewed as a 'one-size-fits-all' solution. How can one assess that their weight loss is healthy? Healthy weight loss is typically gradual, Joshi notes, 'roughly 0.5 to 1 kg per week is a sustainable benchmark for most individuals.' More rapid weight loss can be safe under expert supervision, but it does raise questions about muscle mass retention, metabolic health, and mental well-being. It's important to track not just weight, but also body composition, energy levels, mood, and nutrient intake. If someone is on a strict regimen, they should ensure it doesn't become overly rigid.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kombucha to pickled cucumber: Probiotic-rich foods that deserve a spot on your plate
Summer calls for cool sips and gut-friendly treats — and fermented drinks are stealing the spotlight. Fizzy, tangy, and packed with probiotic goodness, these are sure to add a twist to your summer palate. From the zing of kombucha to the cool comfort of chaas, these not only refresh but also boost gut health. Here's how to eat and sip your way through the heat in style! Kefir What is it: Kefir is a tangy, yoghurt-like fermented milk drink made with kefir grains that are packed with gut-friendly bacteria. · Why it's a summer hero: Creamy, fizzy, probiotic-rich — great after a heavy meal or when the heat's got you down. · Cool ways to have it: Dheeraj Mathur, cluster executive chef, Radisson Blu, Kaushambi, Delhi NCR, says, 'It can be consumed as smoothies, salad dressing, summer salads, popsicles and spreadable cheese.' Kombucha What is it: Think of it as iced tea with an edge that brings tang and a slightly sweet finish to your glass. Why it's a summer hero: 'It hits the soda craving without the guilt! Hydrating, gut-loving, and oh-so-cool,' says Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutritionist, Tone 30 Pilates. Cool ways to have it: Sip it chilled straight from the bottle or jazz it up with fresh fruit and herbs. Chaas What is it: A timeless Indian favourite, chaas is made by blending curd with water and a dash of digestive spices — a humble hero in summer heat. Why it's a summer hero: Dr. Piyali Saha, senior mentor at Dr Batra's Healthcare, says, 'This drink serves as a natural health enhancer maintaining digestive comfort, hydration, and internal balance.' Cool ways to have it: 'Flavour it with mint, ginger or green chilli. Use it in doughs, blend it into smoothies or popsicles, try turmeric lattes or chaas mocktails,' suggests Chef Jasjit Singh Keer, Oh! My Sauce. Kanji What is it: A tangy, old-school cooler brewed with rice, ragi, lentils or black carrots — fermented calm in a cup. Why it's a summer hero: Anshul Singh, team leader, clinical nutrition and dietetics department, Artemis Hospitals, says, 'Easy to make and store, i t cools, detoxes, and gives your gut a probiotic boost.' · Cool ways to have it: Dr Malini Saba, cookbook author and founder of the Saba Family Foundation, says, 'Spin it as a base for chilled summer soups, stir into cooked millet or broken wheat, or blend with herbs like mint, curry leaves, or ginger.' Pickled Cucumber What is it: Cool, crunchy, and a little tangy — these bring a probiotic punch with every bite. Why it's a summer hero: Mugdha Pradhan, functional nutritionist and founder of iThrive, says, 'When naturally fermented, cucumbers fuel your body with hydration, electrolytes and gut-loving goodness. Pro tip: While pickling, use pink salt instead of table salt for a healthier twist' Cool ways to have it: Chef Ashish Singh, Café Delhi Heights, says, 'Toss into salads, wrap in sandwiches, top your yoghurt, or blend it with mint, curd, and lemon for a zesty summer sipper.' BOX: Yoghurt · What is it: Your go-to summer BFF — cooling, creamy, and packed with proteins. · Why it's a summer hero: Suman Agarwal, founder & nutritionist, SelfCare by Suman, says, 'This a perfect light and filling mid-meal snack that's refreshing and protein-rich, keeping you hydrated with its water and electrolyte boost.' Cool ways to have it: Chef Sreyashi Dey, owner of Seasalt Patisserie, says, 'Toss it in your midday routine pairing it with berries or mangoes. You can also swirl it into mango curd, chia pudding, or frozen yoghurt.'
