Latest news with #cravings


Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
World Chocolate Day: From Ashi Singh to Sayli Salunkhe; celebs reveal their sweetest chocolate cravings
As the world celebrates the deliciousness of chocolate on World Chocolate Day, some of television's most popular stars are diving into nostalgia and indulgence, sharing their sweetest chocolate memories and go-to dessert cravings. From childhood mischief to comforting bites after hectic shoot days, these celebrities prove that chocolate is more than just a treat — it's an emotion. Ashi Singh , who plays Kairi Sharma in Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, admits that chocolate has always been her weakness. 'As a kid, I used to sneak into the fridge at night to nibble on whatever chocolate I could find,' she shared with a laugh. 'That habit hasn't changed much! I still love reliving those moments with small packs of chocolate — I eat them in layers, slowly savoring each bite. My ultimate favorite is a warm chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. The contrast is just heavenly. On hectic shoot days, just one cube of chocolate instantly lifts my mood and energy.' Sayli Salunkhe, currently seen as Anjani Maata in Veer Hanuman, has always had a soft spot for all things sweet. 'Chocolate brownie tops my list!' she revealed. 'As a child, my mom would give me a chocolate milkshake as a reward when I scored well in exams. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tecno Pova 7: You've NEVER Felt 144Hz This Sharp & Smooth! TECNO Mobile Buy Now Undo Even today, I treat myself to a rich brownie or dark chocolate after a long day. It's my therapy — slightly bitter, slightly sweet, and always comforting.' Aditya Redij, best known for portraying King Krishnadevaraya in Tenali Rama, associates chocolate with his school days. 'We would wait excitedly for birthday chocolates to be passed around in class. I still remember savoring every bite,' he reminisced. 'Now, I enjoy the richness of dark chocolate, especially with sea salt or almonds. Chocolate mousse and chocolate cake are my indulgence after long work days. It's nostalgic and comforting — a pure source of joy. ' Pariva Pranati, who plays Vandana Wagle in Wagle Ki Duniya, views chocolate as a bridge between generations. 'As a mom, chocolates hold a different meaning for me. Watching my son get excited over chocolate cakes or éclairs takes me back to my childhood,' she said warmly. 'My personal favorites are chocolate éclairs and my mom's homemade chocolate biscuit cake. For me, chocolate isn't just about flavor, it's about memories, bonding, and small, joyful moments. ' Karuna Pandey, known for her powerful performances, adds to the sentiment: 'Chocolate has always been my cheat day indulgence. Whether it's a silky chocolate truffle or a bite of nutty chocolate bar, it makes everything better. It's a reminder to pause, treat yourself, and celebrate the little things.' Whether it's Ashi's layered bites, Sayli's brownie therapy, or Pariva's shared joy with her son, these stars remind us that chocolate is more than a dessert — it's comfort, celebration, and nostalgia rolled into one delicious bite.


CNET
26-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Are You Hungry or Do You Just Have Cravings? Try These Tips to Get In Tune With Your Body's Needs
Hunger is one of the first things we learn when we're young. In childhood, we're pretty good at reading our hunger cues. It's not until we grow up that the wires can get crossed and we have a harder time deciphering what's hunger and what's a craving. "Many people never feel true hunger but think they are hungry when they have a craving," said Lisa Testa, M.S., Chief Nutrition Officer at Raw Generation. It can be tricky to tell hunger cues from cravings. There's nothing wrong with indulging in cravings, especially when you're curled up on the couch streaming your favorite show. However, to foster a healthy relationship with food, it's essential to learn how to listen to your body to know what it needs, rather than simply giving in to cravings related to stress. The difference between cravings and hunger cues Hunger is a biological process we need to survive, it's not something that anyone should ignore. It's how we know that we need more fuel to function. But it's not as simple as our stomach being empty and feeling like we need to fill it. It's a much more involved system than that. "Complex communication between internal multiple organ systems leads to the physiological feeling of emptiness in the gastrointestinal system," said Mindy Haar, Ph.D., registered dietitian and assistant dean at New York Institute of Technology's School of Health Professions. Our gut and brain communicate with receptors throughout the digestive tract that monitor nutrient levels. When there are insufficient nutrients in the digestive system, a signal goes to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain in charge of hunger. Then, we feel like we want to eat. The same process happens to signal fullness. Physical symptoms of hunger include the following: Noisy stomach Irritability Headaches Drop in energy Difficulty focusing Shakiness Hunger is your body's way of telling you that you need more nutrients. If you find yourself feeling hungry between meals, you can include more protein in your meals to help you feel fuller longer. Read more: 12 Foods I Sadly Overlooked Until I Learned How Healthy TheyCravings, on the other hand, aren't always driven by the body's need for food. Instead, they often have a psychological component driving them. They usually come on suddenly and are targeted at one specific food or food category. It can also persist even after you're already full. Cravings can happen because you're seeking comfort in food, whether you're looking for sweets, savory snacks or processed foods. Cravings can happen because of the following reasons: You're bored. You're stressed. You haven't been sleeping well. You're at a social gathering. You're deficient in something. What cravings are trying to tell you It's not a failing to crave sweets or food that brings you joy. Our brains are hardwired with a reward system that result in these feelings. When we eat something that evolutionarily would have boosted survival chances, neurotransmitters like dopamine are released, and we feel pleasure. "Humans evolved in a way that the desire for sugar and fat was a beneficial characteristic: A sensitivity to sweet tastes allowed individuals to distinguish fruit that was at the peak of freshness and vitamin and mineral content," said Haar. Meanwhile, we evolved with an enjoyment of fat to ensure we ate high-fat and high-calorie foods to increase our chances of survival during food scarcity. Sugary foods and other snacks can trigger the reward center in the brain in the same way. Haar explained that while most of us have access to nutrient-dense foods, we can't discount the food industry's role in capitalizing on our innate desire for sugar and fat. Cravings don't only have a psychological component to them. Sometimes, it's your body trying to tell you you're deficient in a particular nutrient. Read more: The Best Food Sources for Every Vitamin You Need From A to K "When you are craving sweets, it is your body's way of telling you that you haven't eaten enough calories from fresh fruits," said Testa. "When you crave salty things, it means you are lacking in chlorophyll (dark leafy greens)." But how can you tell the difference between a psychological craving and a signal that you're missing key nutrients? Testa suggests being mindful about what food you choose. For example, if you're craving a sweet treat, eat an apple instead. "If the craving does not go away, it is exactly that: a craving. If the feeling does go away, then it was a nutrition deficit that your body needed to fill." You'll want to avoid mindlessly indulging in your cravings with the wrong foods, because it could throw off your blood sugar or lead to unwanted weight gain. That said, it's essential to listen to what your body is telling you. Skipping meals because you think it might be a craving isn't the right choice either. Not only is food fuel, but not eating may lead you to make bad food choices later, like overeating or opting for less nutritious options. Julia_Sudnitskaya/Getty Images Tips to tune into your hunger cues There's nothing wrong with giving in to cravings sometimes. But it's helpful to know the difference between a physical hunger cue and a craving. Tuning into your hunger cues rather than relying on what you think you should eat will go a long way in feeling your best. Remember that everyone has a different relationship with food and that different approaches work for different people. Use the 20-minute rule Timing is one of the most powerful tools for determining whether you're feeling a craving or a hunger cue. If you're unsure which one you're feeling, try the 20-minute rule. After twenty minutes of waiting, if you're still hungry, it's a hunger cue, not a craving. Cravings generally fall off, while hunger will always persist. Eat slowly Another healthy eating tactic that Haar recommends is eating slowly. "Put down utensils between bites and don't pick them up until the mouthful of food is swallowed," she said. It takes roughly 20 minutes for the brain to register that the stomach is full. So if you eat a lot of food in ten minutes, you might still feel hungry, despite being enough to fulfill the hunger cue. Eating slowly gives you a chance to listen to what you're feeling. Drink some water Sometimes, we mistake hunger signals for thirst signals. Drinking water before you eat will help you determine what signal your body is sending. Not to mention, there are numerous benefits of drinking enough water, including feeling energized, being in a better mood, minimizing headaches and preventing kidney stones. Eat at regular intervals Our bodies love routine, and eating at regular intervals will ensure it has the fuel needed to function and help you make the best food choices throughout the day. Research has found that our appetite is linked to the circadian rhythm, our body's internal clock. The circadian rhythm regulates several key bodily functions, like sleep, hunger and metabolism. It's also important to prioritize quality sleep. When you haven't slept well, you're more likely to make poor food choices or throw off your regular eating schedule. Read more: 7 Foods That Help Me Sleep Better and Might Work for You Too Don't cut out snacks For some people, food restriction can put undue stress on their relationship with food. Complete restriction isn't necessary to maintain a well-balanced diet, nor must you count calories for everything you eat. We all have cravings, and it's OK to indulge sometimes. Eating can be as simple as listening to what your body tells you and making a few mindful choices to ensure you're making the best choices for your health.


NDTV
26-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Video: Hugs And Welcome Drink As ISS Welcomes Shubhanshu Shukla And Team
New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts successfully docked their Dragon spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS) this evening. As they entered the space station, they were greeted by the group of ISS astronauts who had been eagerly waiting for their safe arrival from Earth. The astronauts hugged each other and exchanged greetings as they settled inside the ISS. Visuals beamed from the ISS showed the four astronauts who had just arrived enjoying a healthy drink and laughing. Group Captain Shukla carried carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango nectar with him to satiate his cravings for homemade food in space. The other three astronauts who lifted off as part of the Axiom Mission 4 mission are Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, Tibor Kapu of Hungary, and Dr Peggy Whitson of the US. The capsule, the fifth and final Dragon in Elon Musk-owned company SpaceX fleet, was christened "Grace" after reaching orbit. The crew will spend 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting some 60 experiments -- including studies on microalgae, sprouting salad seeds, and the hardiness of microscopic tardigrades in space. Group Captain Shukla is the second Indian to reach space since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (retired), who flew to the Salyut 7 station in 1984 as part of an Indo-Soviet mission. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sees this flight as a key step toward India's first independent crewed mission, slated for 2027 under the Gaganyaan programme.


Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Viral: Netizens react as NASA astronauts share photos of 'space sushi'
Image credits: X/@JonnyKimUSA Food cravings can lead to some unexpected actions at various times. While the most one thought of doing to satisfy a food craving was making or ordering it online, it seems there are more efforts that can be made. Recently, NASA astronauts aboard the ISS made sushi in space for a crew celebration and to cheer up a crew member who was missing the Japanese dish. Jonny Kim, a NASA astronaut took to X to share the information through a post, writing, 'Space sushi isn't quite the same as the fresh stuff on the ground, but it's not bad! We had a crew celebration recently, and one of our crewmates expressed how much they missed sushi (as do I).' 'So we collected and pitched in our personal supplies of fish, spam, and rice, coupled with a dash of gochujang and wasabi, which made for a great meal', he added. While the astronaut revealed that sushi in space does not taste the same, the dish did wonders for their happiness and mood in the limited space and ingredients. Additionally, he also shared how meals worked in space. Due to a very obvious lack of gravity, astronauts place tape on the dining table with the sticky side facing up. This helps them attack food, utensils and condiments to the surface, preventing them from floating away in the ship due to zero gravity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Social media reactions Image credits: X/@JonnyKimUSA People were happily surprised to learn of the news that astronauts made sushi in space. "sushi in space made with love and floating condiments honestly feels more michelin than microgravity. humanity really carries flavor wherever it goes." wrote an X user under the post. "Space sushi sounds epic even if it's not as fresh 😂 I wonder what's the most challenging food to make or eat in zero-g?" wondered another. Many users wanted the astronauts to try making other dishes in space such as Musubi, a Japanese rice ball dish. In contrast, others were inquisitive if certain items like seaweed sheets and kimchi were allowed in space. "Jonny are you allowed to have kimchi on the ISS or is it illegal because it smells too much? Or does smell not work the same in space?" inquired an X user. Some even suggested better puns for the space-made dish, writing, "Space-sushi….. Spushi? 'Spooshy' and "You could have made a joke about using StarKist tuna. Such a nice pun just laying there."


Time of India
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Desi bhutta vs. sweet corn: Which is more nutritious
A farmer sorts freshly harvested corn cobs at a field in a village on the outskirts of Jagdalpur in Bastar district. Monsoon is around the corner and the best way to enjoy the beauty of the season is to indulge in the goodness of corn. Two of the most popular ways of enjoying this seasonal delight in India are sweet corn and desi bhutta. Both are known for their unique taste and style. Corn is also known as a natural source of energy. But there has always been a debate about which is more healthy and nutritious—Sweet Corn or Desi Bhutta? Let us find out. Desi Bhutta During the monsoon, you can find hundreds of stands selling desi bhutta. Desi bhutta, known for its flavor and aromatic smell during the rains, is one of the most consumed snacks in the season. Desi bhutta is made by roasting Indian corn over charcoal till the kernels are charred. It gives the corn a smoky flavor. A seasoning of lemon or lime water with a spice mix is also added to enhance the taste. Chesses sweet corn is different variety of sweet corn. Sweet Corn Sweet corn, unlike bhutta, is generally cultivated specifically for its high sugar content and tender kernels. It is mostly eaten in boiled or steamed form. You can also add masala or cheese for extra flavor. Sweet corn is a popular snack in urban and metro cities, often found in restaurants and metro stands. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Birla Evara 3 and 4 BHK from ₹ 1.68 Crore* Birla Estates Learn More Undo Now let's see the benefits of sweet corn and desi bhutta. Aid in digestion Desi Bhutta aids better in digestion due to its high fiber content and insoluble fiber, which supports stool formation and regular bowel movement. It also digests slowly and gives the gut more time to absorb nutrients and regulate transit time. Boost weight loss Desi Bhutta supports weight loss better due to its high fiber, which helps you feel fuller for longer and reduces cravings. Due to fiber's role in slowing digestion, it also helps regulate appetite. Desi bhutta has low sugar, whereas sweet corn contains 3 to 5 times more sugar than desi bhutta. It is lower in calories, whereas sweet corn is often boiled and mixed with butter, which increases its calorie load. Good for eyes According to research by the National Institutes of Health, consumption of sweet corn can benefit your eyesight due to its high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. Heart healthy Eating sweet corn can be beneficial for your heart. According to research from Hopkins Medicine, sweet corn contains high fiber content which helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, thus promoting heart health. Rich in antioxidants Both contain antioxidants that help your body fight free radicals. This can help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Help manage blood sugar According to a study by the NIH, consuming desi bhutta may help regulate your blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index. Which one is more nutritious Sweet corn and desi bhutta both offer nutrition and have their own health benefits, but desi bhutta is considered healthier due to its low sugar content. It does not cause sudden spikes in your blood sugar, making it an ideal choice for diabetics. You can choose whichever suits you according to your health goals. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change