Whether you’re taking your first steps into the fitness world or a regular gym rat, when you’re committing to a fitness routine, you need to have a particular goal in mind. What most people don’t realize, however is that diet works hand in hand with exercise to help you reach your healthy ideal. When choosing a diet plan, you have to go beyond crash diets and protein shakes. You have to decide what to eat, how much, and how often.

Looking to Lose Weight?

If your primary goal is to shed a few extra kilos in time for the next wedding or family function, you’re looking at a high intensity, fat-burning workout. This would include exercises such as lunges, squats, push-ups, and crunches. The fitness routine should be paired with a proper diet to encourage over-all weight loss.

When eating to lose weight:

• Create a calorie deficit- Look up your required caloric intake, and consume 20% less than required. This causes your body to start burning stored fat for energy.

• Small meals, more often: Rather than eating three large meals, have small portions more frequently, at regular intervals in a day.

• Cut down carbs and fatty proteins: Carbohydrates increase sugar levels and the production of insulin, a fat-storing hormone. Opt for moderate amounts of healthier carbs, such as brown rice, whole grains, or sweet potatoes. Fatty proteins such as some red meats (bacon, ham, t-bone steak) can increase the fat stored in your body.

• Increase lean meats, fiber, calcium and vitamin D: Fiber-rich foods keep you full longer, allowing you to eat smaller portions. Vitamin D, found in foods like cheese, egg yolks, and mushrooms, also plays a role in the production of the hormone leptin, which indicates to the brain when you’ve eaten enough.

Trying to gain muscle?

When it comes to gaining muscle mass through exercise, you have to get into weight training, though your routine will vary greatly based on your skill level. Once you’ve chosen the training routine that’s right for you, you need to supplement it with a proper diet.

When eating to gain muscle:

• Create a caloric surplus: Find out your required caloric intake, and consume an additional 250 calories. This provides your body with the calories it needs to create new muscle tissue.

• Light meals, regular intervals: Though it may seem counterintuitive, keep your meals well proportioned and light. This, along with eating at regular times can help your body maintain energy levels and keep it from storing fat instead of creating muscle.

• Don’t skip breakfast: Having breakfast gives you the energy to get through your work out and prevents your body from breaking down muscle tissue for energy.

• Cut fatty meats, and saturated and trans fats: Foods with a high fat content can lead to a build-up of fat stored in your body, and sabotage your efforts. Avoid red meats, sweets, and creamy or buttery foods.

• Increase complete proteins, carbs, and fiber: These foods are vital for providing your body with raw material to build muscle mass. Complete proteins are especially beneficial in building muscle tissue. They can be found in eggs, dairy and all meats, as well as in soy, quinoa, and beans.

Hoping to increase stamina?

If you find yourself winded when you try to keep up with the kids, you may want to consider working on your stamina. Your fitness routine should include heavy cardio, such as jump rope, aerobics, and jogging. Stamina is something that builds up over time, so a healthy heart is key. A ‘heart healthy’ diet is required to help you maintain this workout.

When eating to improve stamina:

• Maintain your calorie level: Don’t consume too many or too few calories. When trying to build stamina it is important to give your body enough energy to burn, but it is equally important to maintain an equilibrium of fat and muscle in your body.

• Moderate portions: Avoid overeating. Serve yourself in smaller dishes, and be aware of how much you eat. Stop when you start to feel full, not when you feel overstuffed.

• Cut sodium and saturated or trans fat: Overindulgence of foods high in sodium and fat increases cholesterol levels, which puts a strain on the heart.

• Increase lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat: Lean meats increase the levels of good cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Fruits, vegetables, and whole wheats are good sources of vitamins and fiber. These reduce strain on the heart and prevent cardiovascular issues.

When it comes to fitness, we tend to focus on exercise and forget the role of a healthy diet. However if you want to reach your fitness goals, you need to give yourself a boost by choosing the best foods for the job. Balance is the key. After all, a healthy diet is the first step in a healthy lifestyle.

3 Coming of Age Movies You Need to Check Out

Puberty hits us all in different ways. For most, it’s a rude shock — waking us up on a school day only to remind us that such days won’t last forever. For the more well-adjusted, it’s an eventual transition that has been a long time coming. However it may have affected you, one thing is for certain — it is always accompanied by a gnawing feeling that life will never be the same again.

Throughout human history, people have tried to capture this phase in our lives and the feelings associated with it through books, paintings, music, and movies. In fact, popular works of fiction from the ‘Odyssey’ to the ‘Harry Potter’ series have in some way or another pointed at this transformation of people.

In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at three coming-of-age movies that did a splendid job of capturing this absolutely human experience:

Spirited Away

What do you get when Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli, and Walt Disney come together? A masterpiece is what! 2001’s Spirited Away is an emotionally touching, beautifully colored vision of a brief incident in the life of Chihiro. A 10-year old Japanese girl, Chihiro travels to the spirit realm with her parents, when they take a wrong turn while relocating from one town to the other. In this realm, her parents are transformed into pigs by the evil witch, Yubaba, and it is up to our young heroine to rely on her own judgement, courage, loyalty, and wits to get them out of this predicament. The story relies heavily on staples of Japanese folklore, and uses a breathtaking color palette to bring them to life.

Where Spirited Away stands out from other coming-of-age stories is its insistence on keeping Chihiro’s character completely uncomplicated. There is no unnecessary romance between her character and that of Haku, a fellow spirit trapped by Yubibo, despite them sharing a loving bond. Neither is too much emphasis placed on Chihiro being a ‘pretty girl’. Both these decisions were made by the story’s writer, the master craftsman Hayao Miyazaki, who felt that these were elements an actual 10-year-old may not relate to in real life.

Fun Bits: Spirited Away introduced the character of ‘No Face’, a staple at many cosplay events.

Boyhood

Shot over a period of 11 years, between 2002 to 2013, Boyhood fits into a film genre called bildungsroman, which focuses on the protagonist’s growth from childhood to adulthood. It is told from the perspective of Mason Jr, a regular American boy, as he grows from a child into a man — all the while keeping an eye on the world and his family as they change around him. The movie is packed with powerhouse performances by Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke and directed by Richard Linklater of the Before Sunrise trilogy. In the movie, Hawke’s character Mason Sr. (Hawke) and Olivia (Arquette) are separated and have two kids: Samantha and Mason Jr. They are a regular American family and themes such as pop culture, the Iraq war, and gun control intertwine with their lives to reinforce this normalcy.

The movie follows Mason Jr as he goes through adolescence in the 21st Century, experiencing alcohol and drugs for the first time and having his first intimate relationship. While the first half of the film has Mason being a normal teenager, filled with angst and despondency, sometime around interval he meets Mr Turlington — his photography teacher. In turn, Mr Turlington becomes a mentor to Mason and pushes him to make the most of his potential.

Fun Bits: Lorelei Linklater, the actress who plays Samantha, is director Richard Linklater’s daughter.

The Apu Trilogy

Not all coming-of-age films necessarily need to have a happy ending for them to be good. Satyajit Ray proved this in heaps through his ‘Apu’ trilogy — an outstanding piece of storytelling and craftsmanship. The three movies Pather Panchali (1955), Aparajito (1956), and Apur Sansar (1959) are exceptional examples of bildungsroman, following the life of its title character Apurba ‘Apu’ Roy and the circumstances that dictate his life

Despite the heavy criticism and challenges Ray faced while making the movie — mostly to edit the ends so that they fit a ‘happily ever after’ mold — he never backed down. In fact, his dedication to realism and authentic narration of what makes human life human — hint, it’s the suffering — are what make the Apu trilogy unlike any film in this category.

Fun Bits: Part two in the trilogy, Aparajito, won a Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Love — such a complex and mysterious subject. Scientists, artists, poets, singers, philosophers, and even saints have struggled to define it. It’s so instinctual, babies and animals express it from the time they’re little. Yet, as we grow older, we find it harder and harder to define what love means to us. We turn to movies, TV, and books to tell us what to expect, and how to behave. Unfortunately, the plots revolve around romantic love, and we know those aren’t realistic. After all, romance isn’t the only kind of  amour there is. The Greeks named not one or two, but four different types of love — agápe, éros, philia, and storge — covering charitable or religious, romantic, platonic, and familial love. It would be safe to say that a holiday about love should celebrate all of these, yes?

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’ve decided to help you — whether you’re single or not — by showing you all the different ways you can love those around you. And yourself, of course. Love isn’t and shouldn’t be limited to a single day; the process is lifelong, and making time for the important things will see you through the season of love and every season beyond it.

Love Your Hobbies

You know how this story goes. You discover something you love — a book, an art project, a cooking technique — and you throw yourself into it, only to lose steam a little later. Because of work. Or chores. Or a significant other. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show a little love towards your neglected paintbrushes, or the bicycle languishing in the corner. Take time off to do things you enjoy — even if that thing is just spending all day organizing your books. Nothing refreshes you and makes you feel more like yourself than using your latent talents. There’s a reason you started the hobby in the first place, isn’t there?

Pro Tip: Once you rekindle your love for whatever hobby it is, pencil in some time every week to get back to it. Having something enjoyable to look forward to will make every week that much better.

Love Your Tribe

Whose shoulder do you cry on when your heart is broken? Who do you turn to when you feel ugly and want to be reminded you’re beautiful? Which of your friends has known you the longest, and seen you through more drama than you can remember? Spend this day — or this whole month — catching up with old friends, taking your grandparents out for a meal, spending time with your pets, or even scheduling some alone time with your siblings. Tell them what they mean to you, and how grateful you are to have them in your life. No matter what your relationship status is, your people will stand by you and keep you strong. Show them you cherish that, and you’ll never be lonely.

Pro Tip: Okay, work can be hectic, but make time to meet your friends. Treat a catch-up like a date — pick a special coffee shop, set up a time, dress up, bring a small gift — so that you devote an evening just to your pal. Nothing will endear you more to them. Bonus: You end up being the best bestie!

Love Yo’ Damn Self

Ok, this is important — probably the most important. You’ve heard all the clichés, so we don’t need to tell you why you deserve to do things for yourself. The older and busier you get, the harder and less important it becomes to carve time out for you. While cleaning up your house or catching up on your never-ending to-do list might seem like alone time — simply because you do it by yourself — that’s not who you are. Use this Valentine’s Day to pamper yourself. Treat yourself to a spa day, or indulge in some retail therapy. If capitalism doesn’t work for you, spend the day in bed with your favorite TV characters, or just take a quick day trip to an amusement park. More than anything, don’t be afraid to do typically “couple” things by yourself — take yourself out for a movie or a three-course dinner, whatever makes you happy. So go ahead — eat cake for breakfast, buy yourself an obscenely large bunch of flowers, drive far away and crank up the tunes; do anything that makes your heart sing!

Pro Tip: So you’ve taken time off and pampered yourself — what happens when you get sucked into the grind again? Discover a calming ritual you can engage in for a few minutes every day. Whether it’s a couple of extra seconds in the shower, an extra dollop of cheese on your toast, or your favorite wake-up playlist, add something to your day that’s all yours. You could even try meditation, if you truly want quiet time. It doesn’t matter what you choose — make yourself a priority every day.

Valentine’s Day can be a depressing time. If you’re single, you tend to wonder whether you’ll ever find “the one”. If you’re in a relationship, you might compare things other couples do to your relationship and think you’re not as “in love” as they are. It’s important to keep in mind that it’s just a day like any other. It’s time to flip the script and make this day about love. Of all kinds.

It is, more often than not, our pursuit for an escape — for independence — that makes the prospect of solo travel attractive. As exhilarating as it may sound, it is only but human to be a little apprehensive and choose a beaten path for the sake of ‘safety’.

But, if there’s one way to do justice to the whole ‘New Year, New me’ rhapsody you’ve been on about, it’s by fighting the urge to be basic, and forge new frontiers.

Here are four offbeat locations to satiate your solo-trip cravings, depending on what persona you relate to.

The Foodie — Fez, Morocco

For quite a few of us, our solo escapades are a quest for the many cuisines mankind has to offer. If you are one such traveler, Fez needs to be on top of your travel agenda.

Moroccan street-food culture is to die for. And Fez’s old, narrow alleyways harbor every sensation your palate desires — from sugary mint tea to spicy sardines, the local khobz (bread) to Bessara (fava bean soup), or even steamed sheep heads and snail soup! It is truly an experience for the senses. Street shops bring you the aroma of spices, and a smokiness that will surely be a mini catharsis. Fez is every foodie’s dream destination, and a (not-so) quiet stroll by yourself down its medinas is sure to leave you with a feeling worth savoring.

The Beach Bum — Ko Phi Phi Island, Thailand

If, to you, a vacation is all about sun, sand, salt, and tans, the white, azure, and green beaches of the Ko Phi Phi Islands will have the ocean enthusiast in you rejoicing.

A mere 90-min ferry from Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is a cluster of six islands in the Krabi Province. If the prospect of being surrounded by new people on your solo trip seems exciting, your go-to Island is Ko Phi Phi Don — the largest, most populated one. Ko Phi Phi Leh is a smaller Island to the south — barely populated but popular among tourists. With a fair amount of snorkeling and great night-life, you are sure to have an uber-happening vacation. Although, if silence, calm, and alone-time is more your cup of tea, don’t worry — Bida Nok and Bida Nai have you covered.

The History Zealot — Persepolis, Iran

Is your solo trip endeavor the reminiscing of times long gone and the exploring of local heritage? Then look no further; Iran’s throbbing Persepolis is no less than a walk down the lanes of history itself.

If the thought of visiting Iran gets your sirens blaring, remember one thing — on-ground travel in the country is a pleasantly stark contrast to what western media will have you believe. The 2500-year-old ruins of Persepolis are among the whooping 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that Iran is home to. If you give this place a skip, be warned that you will miss out on world-famous ruins, ancient palaces including the Apadana, and the eye-bending architecture of the erstwhile city.

The Adrenaline Junkie — Haiti

If your idea of a relaxing solo getaway is one adrenaline rush after the other, Haiti is the destination that dreams are made of.

The very sight of abundant hilltop fortresses, waterfalls, cave networks, and of course the seas, will have your insides beaming with anticipation. Now imagine being able to take all this in while zooming on a zipline, 500 feet above land and sea with breathtaking views of the cove below as you glide across a distance of 2,600 feet — Haiti’s Dragon Breath flight line let’s you experience just this. But your adrenaline endeavor won’t end here; Haiti also comes with the promise of paragliding, mountain biking, jet skiing, hiking, and snorkeling. Being a welcome distance away from advanced civilization, Haiti will give you a much-needed break from technology (thanks to spotty internet), ensuring that your solo escapade will truly be other-wordly.

So go out there and discover yourself. After all, your solo trip is nothing short of self-transformation — and what better way to achieve it than by being the rebel you were meant to be.

DITCH THE BAR – 5 ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE WEEKEND

How many times has this happened to you – after the Friday work grind, you get a message from your buddies to hit the nearest watering hole and get ‘hammered’, ‘smashed’, ‘wasted’, etc. And one night and multiple drinks later, you’re too hungover the next morning to do anything else. There goes another weekend, drunk away from a pint or shot glass.

If you’re tired of this routine, here are five alternate activities you can explore to make your weekend truly memorable!

Do some good

Are you ready for an experience that makes your cliched weekend worth foregoing? Then we suggest you volunteer with an orphanage, an old age home, or maybe even an animal shelter and give the philanthropist in you a reason to celebrate. Chances are you’ll look at the world and your life in new light; and find a cause that is close to your heart.

Be a traveler in your city

Working in any place for a long time tends to put you in a routine that doesn’t let you truly explore the area. And one of the best ways to break away from this, is a bus tour. You’ve probably seen these special buses guide a gaggle of excited tourists through your hometown. But if you believe this experience is only for outsiders, think again. Simply board one of these buses for the day, and you may just discover a whole new side to your city!

Relive your childhood

There’s always something that awakens the child in you. So, why not spend your precious weekend doing exactly that? Get your oldest set of friends together and do everything from kite flying to playing ‘Hop-scotch’ and indulging in a board game. It’s a bet – you’ll love it!

Go the make-over way

One weekend is a good amount of time to give your room a makeover. Be sure to do some research before you clean your closets, clear up some space, and color your walls. Because it’s unlikely you’d want to leave it anytime soon. Alternatively, you could give yourself a makeover too!

Give a new genre a chance!

And by that, we don’t just mean your favorite band. Check your local listings and take a chance on a venue or artist you’ve never heard of. Putting yourself in a concert environment you normally wouldn’t be in is a fresh experience that will stick with you for a long time. Not only that – you may even find a new favorite musician or style of music – all over a weekend!

We wish we could give you more options but then we’ve already spoilt you with choice. So why don’t you get started with these while we get another list ready?

What makes a perfect lazy Sunday? For me, it’s sitting on the couch in comfortable clothes, with snacks within reach, and an entertaining show playing on TV. There’s no feeling quite like going through an entire season of an enticing new show in one day, but with streaming options like Netflix and Prime Video, you’re faced with so many options that you spend more time deciding on a show than actually watching it. So to help pack more showtime into your binge watching session, here are five television shows that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

The Good Place

If quirky comedy is your thing, The Good Place is the show to watch. It follows Eleanor Shellstrop who, after her untimely death, wakes up in The Good Place – a utopian neighborhood – thanks to her selfless actions during her life. The problem? She hasn’t done a single selfless deed in her life. Hoping to avoid being sent to The Bad Place, she enlists the help of Chidi Anagonye, an ethics professor and her assigned soulmate, to teach her how to be a better person and avoid suspicion. You would expect a show that focuses on issues of morality to come off as preachy, but instead lighthearted treatment and layers of irony give it a certain charm. So relax and make yourself comfortable because Eleanor’s zany antics will keep your eyes glued to the TV screen!

Broadchurch

Maybe your preferences are less New Girl and more Sherlock. If that’s the case, then you should check out Broadchurch. This crime drama centers around two detectives who are looking to solve the murder of an 11-year-old boy in a small coastal English town. As their investigation continues from episode to episode, they get pulled further into the town’s secrets. The story is driven by a rich variety of characters and will keep you hooked until the very last second. The show only ran for three seasons but that just means you can finish it in three days, right?

Star Trek: Discovery

When you think science fiction, Star Trek is probably one of the first things that pop into your head. The original series spawned several spin-off shows and more than a few movies, and the franchise continues to shape our pop-culture landscape today with Discovery. The show takes place a decade before Captain Kirk (think William Shatner, not Chris Pine) commanded the enterprise, during the Federation-Klingon war, and follows the crew of USS Discovery. In true Star Trek fashion, Discovery is refreshingly optimistic and pushes the boundaries of societal convention. With 11 episodes in its first season, you can explore the final frontier without even having to change out of your pajamas.

Riverdale

Don’t let the name confuse you, this fast-paced teen drama is far from the Archie comics you grew up with, which is exactly what makes it so addictive. While the characters are certainly based on the ones we all know and love, in this series they are thrown headfirst into the dark secrets that envelop their small town. It may be a bit jarring for fans of the comic at first, but this show’s riveting mystery will quickly win you over and keep you on the edge of your seat, hanging on to every word.

Bojack Horseman

Animated shows are the perfect cure for those days when you long for the simplicity of childhood. Fair warning though, this cartoon isn’t exactly kid-friendly. Set in a surreal version of Los Angeles populated by humans and anthropomorphic animals, the dark comedy follows the titular character – a washed-up horse actor trying to regain his fame by trying to publish his memoirs. Populated by crazy characters like BoJack’s agent (and sometimes girlfriend) Princess Carolyn, his (one-sided) archrival Mr.Penutbutter, and Todd, his freeloading roommate, BoJack Horseman is a show with a satirical take on anxiety, celebrity culture, and the influence of the entertainment industry. The sheer ridiculousness of this show will have you going from “what?” to “ROTFL” in the very first episode.

Whether you’re looking to laugh your problems away or a story that pulls you in episode after episode, once you start watching these shows, you won’t be able to stop!

It’s that time of the year again when the faint smell of cookies come wafting through window panes; when goodies in neatly-wrapped packages get ready to be gifted. It’s that time when the cheer of the season is so infectious – you can’t stop yourself from singing along to a song (or two)! After all, Christmas comes but once a year. And so does a Christmas-themed countdown! If you want to do something completely out-of-the-box this merry season, take a look at what our ultimate Christmas countdown has in store for you.

Make your own Christmas cards

This season, why not send personalized, meaningful Christmas cards to friends and family? With DIY Christmas cards, all you need is some paper, pens, sketches, glue, and of course – YOU! What’s great about these cards is that you can customize them as per individual preferences. So steer clear of something off the counter and put your heart and soul into something that’ll forever be cherished.

Indulge in an epic Christmas-themed movie marathon

One of the best ways to set the mood for the holiday season is with a full-fledged Christmas movie marathon that could last all day or even all-month long. I mean, who can say no to movies, blankets, some gingerbread cookies, and of course – eggnog! From the good ol’ classics such as ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1951) and the ‘Home Alone’ series to evergreen favorites such as ‘The Polar Express’ and ‘Elf’ – the choices for a movie marathon are aplenty! Here’s a list of more Christmas movies to get your marathon going.

Sing along to magical choir performances

Whether you want to sing along to popular choir tunes or simply attend a classical music recital – it doesn’t get more magical than during Christmas. Keep an eye out for special pre-Christmas performances at your local church or in universities. Maybe even stream a popular choir group performance online to set the mood. Because honestly, is it even Christmas without 100 voices singing ‘silent night’ in harmonies, lit by nothing but candles?

Play a game of Secret Santa

If there’s one sure-shot way to add a little more excitement and suspense to Christmas, it’s definitely a game of Secret Santa. Get the game rolling weeks in advance and have participants send clues, hints, and tasks to their Secret children until the very last day. If you want to shake things up a little, give the traditional rules of Secret Santa a twist. Switch to versions such as Yankee Swap (all presents are piled together and numbered before being picked out through a lucky draw), Conspiracy Santa (where the group works together to conspire the gift for the one left behind), or even Guess the Gift (Gifts are to be guessed by the receiver before opening) among others.

Spread the Christmas cheer by giving

As they always say, there’s no greater delight in life than the joy of giving. And there’s no better time to do that than during Christmas. Whether it’s donating blankets to help someone get through a chilly winter night or spending your day spreading the cheer at an old age home – every single act of kindness can bring a smile on someone’s face.

So there you have it – a holiday countdown you won’t regret (unlike the cake and cookie-eating spree that is sure to ensue). And with these ideas up your sleeve, your Christmas will be very merry indeed.

Happy holidays!

The Essential Winter Booklist

“Let us love winter, for it’s the spring of genius.” – Pietro Aretino

Imagine it’s a Saturday and your social skills have succumbed to winter, ensuring that you’re cozy at home, wearing warm mittens and socks, with your blanket and coffee eagerly awaiting you! But you don’t know what you should read to make your date with yourself better. Do not fret – we’ve got the perfect book list to make your winter reading marathon a million times better!

A Book of Simple Living: Brief Notes from the Hills by Ruskin Bond

Fondly called the Indian William Wordsworth, Ruskin Bond’s stories have always been synonymous with hill stations and the adventures which pepper their residents’ lives. A Book of Simple Living, chronicles an interlude in Bond’s life in the Himalayas within its breezy 160 pages. But don’t let the size of the book fool you. In his trademark understated way, Bond uses poems and passages to articulate his love for nature, its influence on his life, and his life’s stories. Reading the book is sure to make you feel the cool mountain air as it swirls past tall deodars, catch a glimpse of a timid herd of deer, and smell the tinge of fir – all through the wonderfully eloquent prose of one of India’s warhorse novelists.

4 3 2 1  by Paul Auster

Under the layers of well-crafted science fiction, intense realism, and complex construction, Paul Auster’s 4 3 2 1 is at heart a love story about young Archibald Isaac Ferguson and his one true darling, Amy Schneiderman. However, the reason you should read this 2017 Man Booker shortlisted novel goes beyond just the obvious. You see, what Aster has constructed in this 866 page novel is a slice of four alternate universes, all containing Archibald, as he lives explicitly different lives.  He is born to the same parents in the same hospital on the same date in 1947, but the four boys can’t be more different from each other. From their individual perspectives, we also get to re-experience the historical incidents that have gone on to shape America and the world as we know it –  the American Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, JFK’s assassination et al.

Kari by Amruta Patil

Kari is Indian author Amruta Patil’s debut graphic novel. This 120 pager looks at life from the POV of Kari, a copywriter, and her first-hand recounting of being a lesbian in a predominantly heterosexual society. Throughout the book, Patil deals with stark themes such as alienation, self-harm, and the trials and tribulations the protagonist  faces in a very straightforward manner. Kari is pathbreaking for being the first Indian graphic novel to deal directly with homosexuality in the public and private space. For connoisseurs of art, keep an eye out for quiet homages to greats like Kahlo and Wyeth in the illustrations!

The Library of Fates by Aditi Khorana

A fantasy tome that melts different religions from our own world, figments of Khorana’s own imagination, and historical symbolism from across cultures, The Library of Fates is one of the best Young Adult novels we’ve come across in quite some time. The story deals with the power struggle between the kingdoms of Shalingar and Macedon, personified by Princess Amrita and her one-time fiancee, the evil Emperor Sikander, respectively. Amrita is aided in her journey against Sikander by Thala, who used to be the Emperor’s slave and is also a seer. While it may sound like a generic good vs evil story, The Library of Fates is filled to its brim with imaginative historical fiction and fresh twists and turns.

An Era of Darkness by Shashi Tharoor

Tharoor’s 360-page retelling of the nearly 347-years of British influence in India — An Era of Darkness — is a commentary on the “greatest crime in all of history”, as the American historian Will Durant put it. The book, which was inspired by a speech Tharoor gave at an Oxfordian debate, seeks to put forth the truth of British rule in India, one not espoused by the Raj’s Indian or foreign apologists. In his impeccable style, Tharoor argues as to why ‘the empire on which the sun never sets’ was a bane to India’s financial power and global influence, while destroying her sense of identity for the foreseeable future. If you would like to get an alternate view of an accepted narrative, grab a copy of An Era of Darkness today.

Graphic sweatshirts

Grunge fans rejoice – your Kurt Cobain sweatshirt is back in vogue. With its practical yet timeless appeal, graphic sweatshirts are making a huge comeback. But transforming this college comfort piece to streetwear staple all lies in how you pair it. Leggings and joggers are a good option. But boys, if your workspace demands a tad bit more professionalism, pair your fine-knits with denims. I know I will be carrying one on my travels simply because it’s versatile, can be worn multiple times, and, depending on your choice of graphic, can be a great conversation starter.

Pro travel tip: If you’re going to be wearing sweatshirts brandishing sport team emblems, be sure you are not sauntering the streets of a direct rival. Believe me you, it won’t be pretty.

Windbreakers

I wasn’t born in the 80s. So windbreakers were simply dad jackets to me. Imagine my surprise to learn that it is now the hottest new trend in outerwear – runway designers from Isabel Varant to Valentino have added windbreakers to their Spring Collections. Macklemore probably called the trend way back in 2012 (I wear your grandad’s clothes, I look incredible). But at the rate they’re growing, you won’t have to visit thrift shops to sport these brightly colored, eighties-esqe jackets.

Pro tip: With the resurgence of the Ugly Sneaker trend, you will find no trouble pairing your neon vinyls with canvas.

Matching Tracksuits

As a matter of principle, I do not trust anyone who dislikes The Sopranos. And it seems that pretty soon, consumers will not trust any brand that won’t embrace his favorite garment – the tracksuit. Whether it’s due to the resurgence of logomania or the surge in rap music listeners, tracksuits have carved a sizeable niche – not just as gym wear but party and street wear too. Credit to its adoption by the masses also goes to the slimmer cuts (Slim Shady can stand up, but baggy pants ought to sit down for good!), and intelligent fabrics that have matured the humble garment to one of 2018’s statement pieces.

Pro tip: Ladies, in most cases all it takes to change a tracksuit look from gym-ready to party-ready are a good pair of shoes. Swap the sneakers for a pair of stilettos and bam!

There you have it – my two-pence on what athleisure you should be investing on. I’m going back to worrying about my visa now.

Athleisure Staples 

To understand the trend, we’ll first have to learn to recognize its elements. Obviously, yoga pants are at the top of the list of athleisure essentials. And tights, leggings, joggers, and sweatpants have also begun to replace regular old denim. While t-shirts have always been a wardrobe staple, they’re now re-emerging as a vital piece of the athleisure ensemble. Boasting a variety of multi-hued fabrics — cotton, synthetics, and blends — athleisure has options ranging from t-shirts and camisoles to cropped tees, mesh tanks, and sports bras. Athleisure isn’t just tops and bottoms, though. Look for bomber jackets, snapbacks and the ubiquitous sneakers — kicks, if you will — that seem to go with everything. Bonus points if you stay on trend with white high-tops.

Athleisure How-To 

Now that we know what it is, the question is why it’s so popular — what makes these athletic outfits the choice of millions of millennials? The biggest plus here is that athleisure is, above all, comfortable. Inspired by athletic clothing, it is designed to stretch and move with you, which makes it infinitely easier to live in than starchy trousers and shirts. You can well imagine the original yoga-pant-wearers, just after their workouts, wondering why they couldn’t be clothed in comfort in their daily lives as well. They were clearly on to something — and adding it to your wardrobe is easy. We’ll show you how.

Replacing Pants 

Let’s face it — jeans and formal trousers are fine if you’re spending all day in an air-conditioned office. But as the weather gets warmer, you want something that lets you (and your limbs) breathe. Entrez leggings. Stretchy, thin, and versatile, leggings and tights can easily replace pants in most, if not all, situations. You could pair them with shirts, camis, t-shirts…anything you choose really. But they tend to look particularly flattering with long t-shirts. Bear in mind, though, that some leggings made with thinner fabrics tend to become sheer when stretched. Choose a long top or short skirt to wear over them, to avoid a fashion faux-pas.

Replacing Tops 

Okay, this one’s easy. We women can wear t-shirts with anything without looking like we’ve stopped trying. So it’s lucky for us that athleisure brands stock t-shirts galore. Wearing a workout top instead of your regular crew-neck is a very easy way to dip your toes into the water. You could even layer a gym tank under your shirt to make it a little more work-appropriate, or wear it under a sheer top and throw a light jacket over. Feeling a little more adventurous? Sport a mesh camisole over a cotton tank or a bright sports bra, if you dare. Pair this combo with a high-waisted skirt or pants; you can ditch the cami and bare your bra if you’re going out to party. The key to making gym wear look like it belongs outdoors is to pair items correctly. Workout tops tend to be more colorful, often leaning towards neons and contrasting shades. Pair brighter tops with muted bottoms to make you look less like a bag of skittles. But if color is your thing, you’ll have no shortage of options when you’re shopping for athleisure.

Replacing Outerwear 

Once you have the day’s outfit planned, you might need to throw on an outer layer, depending on the weather. Instead of reaching for your denim jacket or black blazer, why not choose a sporty bomber instead? Depending on the weather, you can choose a lightweight wind-cheater, a puffer jacket, or the ever-dependable sweatshirt. The growing popularity of this sporty trend means that you’re bound to find jackets in all sizes, shapes, prints, and colors — so there’s definitely something for everyone, and a jacket for any outfit.

Replacing Shoes 

Sneakers are quickly becoming a comfortable alternative to flats (heels, too) — and it’s not just restricted to sports shoes anymore. If you do a lot of walking, choosing well-cushioned walking shoes would be your best bet. But if you want to add a subtle athletic touch to your look, slip-on sneakers or flat canvas shoes might be a better choice. You could even jazz it up a bit by choosing sneakers with a flatform-style heel, glitter, appliqué details, high-tops, or even just a colorful print. No longer are sports shoes seen as boring, clunky, and functional — they’re a fashion choice for a generation of fitness enthusiasts. Ultimately, fashion is all about looking and feeling your best. Adding athleisure to your wardrobe elevates you to fashionista status, while still letting you feel as comfortable as you would in pajamas — after all, what are sweatpants and hoodies used for, anyway? This is good news for everyone— the look can be dressed up or down, allowing for infinite possibilities. Athleisure is forgiving, yet flattering, letting you be stylish, be comfortable, and (most importantly) be you.