​Aparshakti Khurana reveals how a ‘no pressure’ upbringing and strict routines shaped his and Ayushmann’s success. (Source: Instagram/Ayushmann Khurrana). Conversations around parenting often swing between two extremes, strict discipline and complete freedom. But many also grow up in environments that were structured without being overly pressurising. Opening up about his childhood, actor Aparshakti Khurana highlighted how a lack of pressure, combined with consistent routines, influenced both him and his brother Ayushmann.. “The only reason my brother and I have been able to achieve anything in life is that there was no pressure attached to anything. There were some valid restrictions, like sleeping at a certain time and waking up at a certain time, and my father was very, very particular about it. I used to ask my mother why Papa scolds so much, what’s the big deal if I don’t wake up early, it’s Sunday after all. She had a very simple, sweet explanation: ‘Those who sleep, their fate also keeps sleeping.’ She told me this when I was in Class 3, and it has stayed with me ever since (sic).”. He also spoke about how certain boundaries were framed not as control, but as reasonable guidelines. “There was never any pressure regarding career choices or what time we were coming and going. To date, we don’t drink alcohol; we have never even tried. That was a restriction, but again, a valid one. There was never any pressure to perform (sic),” he said. At the same time, his recollections of school discipline reflect a very different era of upbringing. “I was a naughty boy, but not misbehaved. There is a difference between the two. I can guarantee my teachers will have good things to say about me—not because I am an actor today, but even back then. I was never complained about or scolded in parent-teacher meetings. Nowadays, when I hear or read news that a teacher was removed because they scolded a child, I feel sad. If you tell your child to complete their homework and behave in class, the teacher will never say anything to you or raise her voice.”. Recalling stricter forms of discipline, he added, “Whenever this topic comes up, I remember my knuckles. I have been beaten a lot—with dusters, rulers would break. On days I didn’t do my homework, I was hit on the knuckles with a scale or a duster. Thank God that happened, because I still do my homework even today,” he said. While such experiences may have shaped habits for some, current child development guidelines strongly discourage physical punishment, especially since corporal punishment is legally prohibited under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, which recognises its potential harm.. How growing up in a low-pressure environment influences a child’s motivation, confidence, and long-term success. Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “Parenting in many Indian households often ble  

 ​You may be consuming eggs to meet your protein needs, but are you really achieving that goal? If gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi is to go by, there are five steps to turn regular eggs into a “gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory powerhouse”. “Most people think eggs are just protein. But as a gastroenterologist, here’s how I turn them into a gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory powerhouse in 5 steps,” he said on YouTube shorts.. *Crack two whole eggs. For most people, up to two yolks a day is perfectly fine. The cholesterol scare around eggs is outdated science.. *Add a pinch of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, and add black pepper to activate it. That combo is my secret, gut-friendly hack.. *Don’t forget salt, but keep it light.. *Load your eggs with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and even olives. This adds fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats that your gut microbes love.. *Cook them gently — scrambled, omelette…however you like. Avoid browning in oil. Let the ingredients shine.. “Save this recipe. Try it out,” he shared.. Eggs are one of the most versatile and nutrient-rich foods, but how you prepare them can significantly change their health impact, shared consultant dietitian Garima Goyal. “By pairing eggs with certain spices, herbs, and nutrient-dense ingredients, they can be transformed from a simple protein source into an anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly powerhouse,” said Goyal.. The key lies in combining eggs with anti-inflammatory compounds and fibre-rich ingredients. “Adding turmeric is a classic example; its active compound, curcumin, helps lower inflammatory markers and supports liver detoxification. However, turmeric alone isn’t well absorbed, which is why a pinch of black pepper becomes essential. Piperine in black pepper increases curcumin absorption severalfold, amplifying its health benefits,” shared Goyal.. Do you add spices to make it powerful? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock). Including colourful vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini brings antioxidants, vitamins and phytonutrients that nourish the gut and help reduce oxidative stress. “These also add fibre, which supports digestion and stabilises blood sugar after meals. Cooking the eggs gently, scrambled, boiled, or soft-poached ensures proteins stay bioavailable and healthy fats remain intact without oxidising,” said Goyal.. To further elevate the nutritional profile, a small amount of healthy fats such as olive oil, ghee, or avocado can be added, advised Goyal. “This helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K present in the eggs. Sprinkling herbs such as parsley, oregano or thyme further boosts antioxidant potential and adds natural flavour without excess salt,” said Goyal.. Also Read | Masaba Gupta shares health update, says ‘cortisol levels are through the roof’: ‘All begins in the kitchen’. So, it’s not just about eating eggs, but about how you combine them. “  

 ​Actor Udaybir Sandhu talks about his fitness transformation for Dhurandhar The Revenge (Photo: Udaybir Sandhu/Instagram). Dhurandhar: The Revenge actor Udaybir Sandhu, who is associated with the viral line ‘ghar ki yaad nahi aayi tujhe Jassi?’, recently revealed that he lost and gained 15 kilos to play the role of Gurbaaz Singh aka Pinda in the film. “Played a 20-year-old boy and a 40-year-old man in the same film…gained and lost 15 kgs to look the part. Pushed my limits, I didn’t know I had. A lot of discipline, blood, sweat and tears have gone into making this. Hope you enjoy watching Pinda on the big screen,” he noted in an Instagram post.. 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.. Taking a leaf from the actor’s incredible fitness transformation, we asked an expert what to consider when making such attempts.. From a dietitian’s lens, such transformations highlight the extreme discipline and structured planning that goes behind body weight manipulation. “Rapid weight gain and loss are never random. It involves controlled phases of calorie surplus and deficit, strict macronutrient planning, and often intense training protocols. However, what we see on screen is only the final result, not the physiological stress the body undergoes during such fluctuations,” said consultant dietitian Garima Goyal.. Gaining weight involves increasing calorie intake, often through a mix of carbohydrates and fats, while maintaining enough protein to support muscle mass. “On the other hand, losing weight requires a carefully monitored calorie deficit, high protein intake, and structured workouts to preserve lean body mass. The challenge lies in doing both within a short time frame without compromising health,” said Goyal.. View this post on Instagram. According to Goyal, frequent and rapid weight changes can impact metabolism, hormonal balance, and even mental well-being. “Sudden fat gain may increase inflammation, while aggressive weight loss can lead to muscle loss, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies if not managed properly. This is why such transformations are usually done under expert supervision with nutritionists, trainers, and medical teams involved,” said Goyal.. Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Freepik). What stands out in the actor’s transformation journey is the level of discipline and commitment. “As he himself mentioned, it required pushing beyond his perceived limits, involving consistent effort, controlled eating, and intense physical work,” reiterated Goyal.. Also Read | The Ba***ds of Bollywood actor Manish Chaudhari is ‘stronger than ever’ at 56: The secret exercise behind his fitness. For the general audience, it is important to understand that these transformations are role-specific and not a sustainable lifestyle approach, stressed Goyal. “Real health is built on consi  

 ​The body usually provides early indications that the insulin resistance is better (Images: Freepik). Noticing subtle changes in your body can sometimes be the first clue that your insulin resistance is improving, even before lab results show a difference. A person recently asked on Quora: “What are some noticeable signs in your body that suggest your insulin resistance is improving, like changes in skin or weight?” To understand, we reached out to Dr (Col) Vijay Dutta, Director, Internal Medicine & Respiratory Services, ISIC Multispecialty Hospital, Delhi, who said, “In addition to laboratory reports, the body usually provides early indications that the insulin resistance is better. Among the initial transformations that people can feel is an increase in energy levels—people are no longer as notorious for feeling tired during the day and also encounter fewer energy crashes following a meal.”. Other early signs include “a decrease in cravings, in particular, to sugary and high-carb foods. The quality of sleep can also be enhanced, and mood swings can be reduced. Others report a decrease in bloating and improved digestion. Even more, the waist circumference can begin to decline even preceding the change in weight.”. For women, more regular menstrual cycles also signal improved insulin sensitivity. “These minor yet significant changes indicate that the body is becoming more receptive to insulin and able to deal with blood sugar with much more success,” he adds.. 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.. Skin and weight: visible markers. Insulin sensitivity can often be seen in skin and weight changes. “Diseases such as dark, velvety spots on the neck or underarms (acanthosis nigricans) can improve over time as insulin concentration returns to normal. Skin might also become clearer with fewer breakouts of acne since hormonal balance is enhanced.”. Weight-wise, “Any slight decrease in the waist size is indicative of improved metabolic wellbeing. The increased insulin sensitivity will assist the body in utilising glucose more efficiently, which will decrease fat accumulation and lead to a healthier distribution of weight.” Observing these changes can motivate continued lifestyle efforts.. Also Read | ‘How do I know I am insulin resistant?’. The timeline for visible improvements varies, stresses Dr Dutta, explaining, “The positive results in terms of the improvement of energy and decreased cravings may be observed in several weeks after the regular changes in lifestyle. But it could take up to 6 to 12 weeks to notice changes in the skin and weight. Skin disorders such as dark spots can eventually be eliminated in a few months with the help of insulin. The changes caused by weight, and in particular by belly fat, are not quick and require consistency. Even minor changes are signs that the orga  

 ​In humans and most vertebrates, the heart is essential. It works constantly to keep us alive. But nature has some surprising exceptions. Some animals get by just fine without a heart, using simpler or different ways to move nutrients, oxygen, and waste. These creatures show that life can take many forms. Here are five animals that live perfectly well without a heart.. 1. Jellyfish. Cauliflower jellyfish (Photo: Wikipedia). Perhaps the most heartless animals, jellyfish don’t just lack a heart—they also have no brain, blood, or lungs. Their bodies are over 95 per cent water, and oxygen diffuses directly through their thin tissues. Nutrients are distributed via a simple gastrovascular cavity as the jellyfish pulses through the water. Despite their simplicity, jellyfish have survived for over 500 million years.. 2. Starfish. Starfish have no heart and no blood. Instead, they rely on a water vascular system, a network of fluid-filled canals that helps circulate nutrients and oxygen throughout their bodies. Seawater enters through a sieve-like structure and is moved internally to power their tube feet. This unusual system also allows starfish to regenerate lost limbs — an ability that continues to fascinate scientists.. 3. Sea Anemones. Sea anemone (Photo: Wikipedia). Closely related to jellyfish, sea anemones also lack a heart, brain, and circulatory system. Their bodies are structured around a central cavity that functions for both digestion and internal transport. Oxygen enters the body directly through its surfaces, while nutrients are distributed internally without the need for a pump. Their slow, stationary lifestyle makes this simple system sufficient.. 4. Flatworms. Flatworms are among the simplest animals with bilateral symmetry — and they have no heart or circulatory system. Their extremely flat bodies allow oxygen and nutrients to diffuse directly through their skin. This design limits their size but supports remarkable abilities, such as regeneration, in which a flatworm can regrow an entire body from a fragment.. ALSO READ | How to choose the right pet for your lifestyle. 5. Sponges. Sponges represent one of the earliest forms of animal life and lack not only a heart but also true tissues and organs. Water flows through their porous bodies, delivering oxygen and food particles directly to cells. Specialised cells handle waste removal, all without any centralised system. Their survival strategy is entirely passive — and astonishingly effective.. How do they survive without a heart?. These animals share key traits: simple body structures, slow metabolisms, and reliance on diffusion or water flow rather than active circulation. Without the energy demands of complex organs, a heart becomes unnecessary.. 📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram. © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd