What the Press has to say about Mickey Mehta

**FRUITS HAVE ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS ...

Diet is major determinant of good health and it is completely in your control, unlike the quality of air we breathe, the noise pollution and emotional climate of our surroundings. Nutrition is the only alternate medicine that has tremendous healing and protective power, which works miraculously on your body.
One of the most effective food types is fruits. They are all free from colours, preservatives and emulsifiers. Consumption of these type of foods will make you feel more alive since they are easy to digest and provide all the fibre, vitamins and minerals we need.
Fruits and dry fruits are the natural foods containing substantial quantities of essential nutrients and the best sources of minerals, vitamins and enzymes.

Energy boosters:
Fruits are high in fructose (sugar) and water which after consumption not only hydrates the body organisms but also fills it up with energy. It rejuvenates your body.

Laxatives:
The fibrous matter of the fruits aid the digestive mechanism of the body. The sugar and organic acids in fruits increase the laxative effect, thus enhance the elimination (bowel movement) process and cures constipation (eat banana, papaya) and also helps in diarrhea due to its binding (pectin) properties eg. apple.

Alkalinizing:
They maintain the acid-alkaline balance in the body.

Antioxidants:
Fruits are the best sources of vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamin C, A and minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium. However they contain very low levels of sodium; could be of great help to control hypertension. Fruits are at their best when eaten in the raw and ripe state.

Nuts:
You've probably heard, "You shouldn't eat nuts, they are high in fat." Now, it's known that animal fat contributes to heart disease. Although nuts are high in fat, the fat is mostly unsaturated fat, which has a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels. Walnuts in particular, are high in alpha-linolenic acid, an essential (n-3 or omega) fatty acid that is protective to the heart and blood circulation.
The protein in nuts is high in arginine, a precursor to nitric oxide, which is important to help keep blood vessels relaxed and open and helps prevent clotting. The minerals especially calcium, phosphorus are essential for strong bones, teeth and sulphur which purifies and activates the body. Thus, an adequate quantity would help the growth of muscular-skeletal structure of the body and also the nervous system.

.....By Mickey Mehta, India's ace holistic & spiritual guru,ASIAN AGE, 19th June2005





**BOTTOMS UP...

....Still bootylicious
Desi actors doin' the slimming thing aren't obsessing about weight loss back there
Wife of David Beckham, Victoria, or Posh , as she's known, went on a diet recently and lost a lot of her butt as a result. In a recent interview, she said, "I have to admit that I have nothing back there. I've to stick it out and pretend. Trust me. I look awful naked."
While Victoria is in a froth about her reduced rear-end , actors back home aren't as fussy.
Actor Bipasha Basu, who lost a lot of weight on a diet, rubbishes talk that her butt has shrunk. She says her weight loss has been uniform.
Fitness expert Mickey Mehta believes that a good butt "symbolizes the strength of mooladhar (a chakra near the tail-bone) called the seat of kundali. Inappropriate dieting, and a fragmented exercise regime can cause a loss of muscle tissue on your bust and butt."

...............By Rahul Dias, 12th June, 2005, BOMBAY TIMES





** WE'RE GOING ON A SUMMER HOLIDAY.
It's time to relegate the business suits to the closet, arm yourself with sunscreen, don the right pair of sunglasses and head for a summer vacation. Fareeda Kanga gives some tips on how to enjoy your vacation without worrying about the effects of the sun.

Swim and stay trim: Swimming is the complete body workout that burns tons of calories without pounding your joints. Don't know how to swim? Holistic health guru Mickey Mehta claims he can teach anyone the ABC of swimming in 24 hours. According to him, using a combination of Zen philosophy (total surrender of mind and body) and the Samadhi technique (creating a sense of regression into the mother's womb) even the most water-phobic students students can master swimming. It's only a matter of time before basics of gliding, pushing and stroke technique get synchronised under his watchful eye. Mehta's high success rate has earned him a place in the
Limca Book of Records in 1995
"Surrender to the water and befriend it. Rather than you moving, it'll make you cut through it gracefully," he promises. Mehta believes the key is to master swimming as an art before tackling it as a sport." Before trying to swim fast or far, learn to swim slowly with beauty and grace," he advises.

......Fareeda Kanga, ET VANITIES, Economic Times, 21 May 2005





PILATES
Pilates has made exercise an, yet challenging mind-body experience. Awaken those 'powerhouse' muscles to their true potential..!

According to fitness specialist Mickey Mehta, Director of Health Beyond Fitness, "The Pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of exercise design to increase physical fitness and strength through the isolation of muscle groups and the slow and gentle repetition of movement. It contains stretching and strengthening exercises that tone muscles, improve posture, provide flexibility, and balance and harmonise the mind and body."

 

 

 

...............Priya Bhimani , L'OFFICIEL , April 2005





** THE MAKEOVER PEOPLE

A look at some of the makeover artists who're calling the shots in the Indian television industry.

Mickey Mehta is involved with Channel V's new offering, Super Singer, another reality show that will shape the destiny of one extraordinary singer. The fitness instructor who has just wrapped up his training sessions with Preity Zinta has been witness to the vast changes in the image makeover industry. He has strong views on the emerging trend of makeovers in the industry. "Ideally, a good makeover artist should never go against the aesthetics and ethics of the programme. I don't believe in plastic or cosmetic surgery of any kind. If you need to bring a glow on the face, do so with a rigorous exercise schedule coupled with a fabulous diet."

For pop band Aasma, Mehta prepared a meal plan based on a "Vedic diet, completely vegetarian in nature, with a lot of fruit and vegetable juices, sprouts and hot waterwith ginger and honey, besides organic vegetables". Along with a healthy diet, a combination of cardiovascular exercises were especially designed for the band.

QUICKIE MAKEOVERS
Want the look? Here's what it's going to cost you

Overall Fitness: A holistic approach to good health can sometimes cost even Rs 15,000 per hour

Where to go: Mickey Mehta, Bharat Thakur's yoga classes

......Abhilasha Ojha, ROUTES: THE GATEWAY MAGAZINE, April 2005

** FOREVER YOUNG

All of us are subjected to time, matter and space and specifically, to factors like light, motion and mass, in the normal course of existence. As a result, we get reduced from being 'human beings' to 'humanoids'. The never-ending chase for unrealistic goals, under high pressure time-frames further deteriorate the quality of our existence. The malfunction of various systems in our body losing out on the ultimate balance of the opposite energies, result in a collapse, ultimately leading to degeneration, erosion and disintegration.

To counter this, one must begin to heal oneself with an integrated approach towards the ficve dimensions of wellness-physical, physiological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual. Humans, from the time we are born, are subjected to the force of 'entropy', which, in simpler terms, is the 'universal tendency of orderliness breaking down into disorderliness', with abuses of the aforementioned kind. As the old adage goes - One never grows old, but when one stops growing, new becomes old.

So how do we continue growing?

APPROPRIATE FOOD
There are certain foods that are designed to be digested by the human system. Fresh fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, grains, herbs, in their most natural, wholesome form, should be consumed seasonally as these have medicinal, healing and regenerative properties for abundant energy.

Always remember to cater to your hunger and not to your appetite. Fulfil it with nourishment and avoid excessive cravings.

EXERCISE
Exercise or 'orderly application of energy for productive physical activity' is essential to remove all energy blocks, and tenderly challenge the entire musculo-skeletal structure. This results in transcendence of the subject-object duality and in experiencing the transformation into wholeness.

The workouts need to be done on a daily basis, preferably in the morning with thorough warm-ups, slow conscious breathing and contracting every part of the body through yoga or pilates postures, dynamic surya namaskars, slow bouncing activities like jumping jacks, mock skipping for cardio-vascular benefits and boosting stamina and the immune system through lymphatic stimulation, push-ups and pull-ups using your own body weight for strength, power and increasing muscle and bone density and overall muscle tone. Each workout should be finished off with an abdominal workout targeting the lower, upper and mid-abdomen exercises, with slow controlled profound movements. All these will also improve the sense of equilibrium, co-ordination, assist in reaching an ideal metabolic state and give a new lease of life to the nervous system, thereby improving reflexes, responses, alertness, spontaneity, etc.
Last, but not the least, one must either sit or lie down with eyes shut, in a state of pure being, becoming conscious of within and without, thus sinking and connecting with the center of one's being, where everything comes to a standstill. In this state of bliss, rejuvenation and buoyancy of the spirit grows.

To sum it up, this integration brings about the awareness of being conscious, that one is conscious and that life is completely streamlined and harmonized. In this state, one doesn't become prey to the predatory systems of the modern era, which makes one wither away with time.

Welcome to anti-aging.

.....Mickey Mehta, Fitness expert, TIMES LIFE, 17 April 2005





** FIT FOR LIFE!

Thanks to Seventeen, Nisha Mahendra got an opportunity to meet fitness and health expert Mickey Mehta

The experience:

I am quite a fitness freak, and being a professional dancer, exercise has always been important for me. So when I got the opportunity to meet health, fitness and spiritual guru Mickey Mehta, I was going to make the most of it. I met him at his gym 'Health Beyond Fitness', an apt name, as it not only tones the body but also the mind and soul. Mr Mehta was extremely warm and friendly. Amidst working on different machines and stretching, he gave me a lot of valuable tips on health and fitness - like the best cardio workout is skipping or doing jack-jumps, instead of just concentrating on the treadmill. I also learnt that in order to get a glowing skin and a fit body, 60 to 70% pf our daily intake of food should consist of raw vegetables! All in all, meeting Mr Mehta was a great learning experience!

 

 

 

 

......SEVENTEEN INDIA, April 2005

 

** JASSI IS DEAD!
Not in the real sense of the word, no. It's just that Jasmeet Walia is now Jessica Bedi, but you know that already. She's in an all-new avatar and ready to take on the world. Apart from a physical transformation, she's also undergone a spiritual transformation of sorts, allowing her to become confident, assertive and dynamic. And it's thanks to fitness/spiritual guru Mickey Mehta. After our beauty queens and socialites, Mehta is now working his magic on telly stars. Do you hear us complaining? Naah.
...30 March 2005, MID DAY





** MICKEY MEHTA TO HELP JASSI
Please visit below mentioned link for full press details
http://www.indiantelevision.com/tellychakkar/y2k5/march/23march/news_mickey.php





** BODY OF EVIDENCE

For 43-year old Mickey Mehta, the career graph is much longer than most. His first tryst with Bollywood, 23 years ago, was if anything, slightly odd-he was the double for an actress in a fight scene. When he began training, the only Oberoi in Hindi films was Suresh and Company's Chandu was still a six-year-old in training pants. For Rs 400 a month, Mehta assisted the senior Oberoi through his routines in a rudimentary gym. Today, Mickey charges about Rs 15,000 per session. A fee his latest client, Preity Zinta-who's been in training for Salaam Namaste-probably has in pocket change. "My clients can afford to pay the price for my expertise. If they're cheap, then they don't deserve me," says the self-described holistic health and spiritual guru.

Mickey insists the fees are worth the services he provides, including meditation sessions, even prayers. "I transform them from paranoid humanoids to wholesome human beings." While he's the best judge of what that means, the economic and professional benefits these health gurus enjoy definitely make the sweat worth it. For instance, Ram Gopal Varma has cast his trainer Sherwi as a villain.

..The Sunday Express, EYE, 27th March 2005





** A BEAUTIFUL MIND

Creating brand ambassadors out of so many contestants is not a easy task, A very unique aspect of the extensive training session of the Pond's Femina Miss India contest (PFMI) is the fitness and nutrition session.

This cathartic session extends beyond toning the body to grooming the mind as well. This is where Mickey Mehta the holistic health and spiritual transformation expert and official nutritionist for the PFMI, steps in. This is Mickey's 11 year with the PFMI.

"The training takes care of five dimensions of wellness: physical, physiological, psychological, emotional and spiritual. The aspirants are taught through Zen philosophies that they have to expand their consciousness to understand that they are not competing but are contesting and participating" say Mickey.

"I firmly believe that the contestants who cry when they do not win the crown are the ones who have not put in their best efforts. They have to realize that it is not the best with the over-confident attitude who wins, but rather it is the chosen one," assets Mickey. He adds "Miss India is the woman of substance with grace benevolence and beauty one who represents India with Indian values. She unintentionally intimidates other participants in the international contest because she is groomed to be par excellence."

The healthy mind however needs an effective and inspiring voice to express itself. Erica D'Souza, the official 'Voice imaging' trainer for the PFMI teaches the contestants how to enhance their personalities with their voices, build confidence and stage presence and sharpen speech and communication skills.

This contest has a tremendous variety of girls with individual sounds and accents.
"Very few of these girls have been exposed to media. PFMI is the platform where every word you say counts if one speaks intelligently but not clearly, words lose their impact. The contestants have to know that clarity is the essence of speech" says Erica.
.............Bombay Times , March 2005





** PILATES CATCHES ON

An import of the west, Shalinee Chowdhury masters the turns and twists of this new exercise

"I was looking for a form of exercise that is beneficial yet gentle," says Rhea Dutt-Pillai," and I found it in pilates." Rhea isn't the only known face to join the pilates bandwagon. What started with Hollywood divas Jennifer Aniston and Madonna, has rapidly caught on with our very own swish set.

Pilates is an exercise programme that combines the fluidity of dance, the flexibility of yoga and the strengthening of benefits of gym-based workouts without the mindless bone-jarring.

Queenie Dhody who goes for pilates classes says, "I had heard about people in Hollywood taking it up. I read up a bit and then decided to enroll." Dhody, who works out for twenty minutes each day, claims pilates has helped strengthen her core muscles and improve breathing and stamina.

"Pilates is a derivation of yoga sans the transcendence factor," explains Mickey Mehta, holistic health and fitness guru, "It is more physical and involves coordination, control, stability and balance."

So what makes pilates a choice for exercise? "Anyone can workout the pilates way - even those with physical limitations such as arthritis, diabetes or an injury," says trainer Ava Verma, who qualified from the Pilates Institute, London. Mehta adds that "it is also a gradual process of weight loss."

For Minerva White, resident of Colaba, pilates was a method of improving her posture. " I joined the pilates classes in order to relieve my backache," says White who has been attending class for the last six months. "I can tell the difference. I can no longer have a paunch," says the thirty-nine-year-old mother of two, adding, "My lower back is stronger and I no longer suffer back aches."

However, there is unanimous agreement that a trained instructor is an absolute must. "Mumbai doesn't have too many certified pilates trainers," admits Leena Mogre, CEO of a reputed city gym. Mogre who attended an eight-day pilates workshop in USA claims that it doesn't make her qualified to teach.

The programme which trainers claim is a "scientific method" needs a patient student. And that it seems are a growing breed.

.......Shalinee Chowdhury, DOWNTOWN PLUS, 4 March 2005





** THE CHOSEN ONES
Pond's Femina Miss India announces 23 aspirants from a staggering 9,300 applicants, vying for the prestigious crown. But on whose pretty head will this coveted crown rest? Wait and watch, until March 27

Every breath you take, every move you make, every smile you fake, I'll be watching you...

The expert panel for the Pond's Femina Miss India 2005 is mirroring these exact sentiments once crooned by Sting. Whether it is putting the 23 contestants on a strict vegetarian Saatvik diet, or teaching impeccable table manners, or Modulating voices to a perfect pitch, the panelists are keeping them under the scanner.

The 'finished' product (products, actually) -- a stunning bevy of 23 perfectly groomed beauties that would take on the World and maybe even the Universe -- would be for the world to see.

A brief encounter with the participants, during lunch hour, revealed that a 'Saatvik diet lunch' had been prepared specially for them. The menu comprised jowar and bajra rotis, veggies sans oil and spices, dal, brown rice, salads and fruits.

Mickey Mehta, the trainer and official nutritionist said, "This is the first time in the world and in history of beauty pageants that a Saatvik diet has been introduced."

"I used to eat non-veg food regularly. But ever since I've been here, I've switched over to being a vegetarian," voices Gwen Athaide, one of the contestants. Amrita Thappar, another contestant, adds, "It tastes just like home-cooked meals. Besides it has done wonders to my skin. It also serves as a detox for the mind."

To complement the Saatvik diet are yoga and pranayaam sessions with Mickey from 6.30 to 8.30 in the mornings. Says Hufriya Bhivandiwala, another aspirant, "We keep indoors all the time. Mickey's sessions are carried in open air and sunlight. Besides his workouts don't feel like workouts and are still beneficial. We do yoga, pilates, agility drills, boot camp and pranayaam which are soothing for the mind."

The training sessions, currently taking place at ITC Grand Central, in Parel, Mumbai are in full swing and will continue till March 26. The official sponsors this year, besides Pond's, are Kiah and Swarup Group of Industries.

Ask the contestants if they would be disappointed, if they failed to don the crown and they declare, "There are no real losers or winners. A winner is a winner even before she wins." Well, spoken in true Pond's Femina Miss India spirit! Great going, gals!

....Linah Baliga, Bombay Times, Mar 2005





** This batch has a lot of potential: Mickey Mehta
By Lata Khubchandani

Please visit below mentioned link for full press details
http://sify.com/peopleandplaces/fullstory.php?id=13702895





** TOO MUCH ON MY PLATTER

Each of the 23 aspirants of the Pond's Femina Miss India 2005 already looks like a winner. But what is the secret behind their glowing radiance?

'Yatha pinde; tatha brahmande' ...if that sounds like Sanskrit to you; well, it is! Mickey Mehta, the holistic health and spiritual guru, and official fitness and nutrition consultant for the Pond's Femina Miss India (PFMI) 2005 contest, translates the phrase, "It simply means: As is the atom, so is the universe, and it is this philosophy that forms the basis of the saatvik diet: As is the food, so will be the body and mind."

In a special 'food-meet' held at WG's Kebabs & Kurries, the exclusive Indian restaurant at ITC Grand Central -- the official hospitality partner for PFMI, the svelte contenders gorged on various dishes that were based on the saatvik diet principle.

"This body friendly diet is sourced from the Ayurveda. It comprises food which cleanses, revitalises, and energises the body while calming the mind," explained Mickey.

Saatvik diet is an extension of the vegan diet, though it has additional restrictions. Executive chef, Ramesh Upadhyay says, "The food includes ingredients which are unprocessed, unrefined and unpreserved. We had to follow detailed instructions to ensure that the food is fresh with minimal loss of nutrients."

This prescription diet for the participants is not only high on health, but also on taste. And we have the contestants' word for it. "The food is really yummy, and tastes so much like home-made food unlike the regular hotel fare," said Ira, a PFMI aspirant.

Aushima, another candidate was a bit unhappy though, "I love the food, but am restricted to a particular diet, so I can't have what is on Shivani's (co- contestant) plate, which looks more appetising," she quipped while surreptitiously trying to steal a bite from the latter's plate.

However, they all agreed that save for the occasional craving for junk food; they are enjoying the diet, and swear by its healthy 'side-effects' -- the 'Perfect 10' figure.

Yes, the ancient Indian diet is definitely making our Indian beauties glow with confidence as they gear up for the beauty expedition. And now will someone pass the rock-salt please...

....Ashish Samanta- Bombay Times, Mar 2005





** IN FITNESS OF THINGS

Will Sunday's Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon create an impact on the fitness culture of the city's dwellers? Not really, say some within Mumbai's health fraternity.

Experts observe that fitness was only a luxury limited to the classes. Clearly, it was absent amongst the city's burgeoning masses.

According to sports medicine expert Dr Anant Joshi, who has treated Sachin Tendulkar, it was not enough to pick one day in a year to patronise physical recreation. "It is like a New Year Resolution," he laughed. "It is hailed for one day, but what about the rest of the year?"

While he acknowledged that it was a right step in directing our city's largely unhealthy citizen's towards some kind of awareness, Dr Joshi felt that the audience being targeted was miniscule.

"Of course, this year we have the dabbawallahs taking part. But the cream is from the upper-middle and upper classes.

"There is a glamour in events such as this, but the real solution is taking awareness to the grassroot levels, he pointed out.

Fitness specialist Mickey Mehta took Dr Joshi's point further. "Is there a regulatory mechanism for ensuring that only fit people take part in this marathon?

"Running even seven kilometers is unwanted aggression on the body. Just watch. Once the marathon is over, most participants will spend two to three days recuperating," he said. "It is still fine for those who enjoy sports, not for everyone."

But Dr Joshi did offer words of encouragement. "More marathons at regular intervals will create more awareness and participation.

Agreeing to this point was former India cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin - the brand ambassador of marathon - saying
That creating awareness needed long-term vision.

But he added a note of caution: "While there should be a concerted effort in this direction, the involvement of too many people will spoil the outcome. Fitness is after all up to the individual"

Mehta and Dr Joshi summed up that it is only when a fitness culture is inculcated at the school and college levels, can the city's health graph grow.

Both experts also slammed the fitness programs being initiated in gymnasiums and health clubs.

"Fitness development should never be given time-frames. It has happen on its own," Mehta pointed out. "Besides, fitness has not just the physical dimension, but psychological, emotional and spiritual dimensions as well."

Asked about what the government's involvement should be, but Dr Joshi said ministers and chief ministers needed to actually take part in events like the marathon. "They should not just inaugurate the event and do a few laps. They can create an impact. Mehta, however, said the government was too busy with other issues. "They have no motive in sports," he said.

...Chitrabhanu R Kadalayil, SUNDAY MID DAY, 16 January 2005





** THE SHAPE OF YOU TO COME

Quit procrastinating! Get onto your nutrition and fitness goals with this special 2005 Health Chart created by health guru, MICKEY MEHTA

What does it mean to be a healthy person? Health involves working with a healthcare provider, doctor or others to do the recommended screening tests. Health involves being informed about your own body and regular examinations of how you live your life, so the things that are most important to get regular time and attention. Finally just as health involves connecting to the outside world, health also involves looking inside, nearsightedness, which is nothing but mental health, spiritual health, or religious health. Exercise, nutrition, rest and meditation will lead you to attain health. To get started, target yourself at a 3 months, 6 months and 12 months fitness programme.

Avoid the following:
Skipping meals, fast foods, whole milk products, processed foods, salt-free diets, liquid diets, crash diets, fad diets and appetite suppressants
Very high impact training
Barefoot training
....ROUGE, Times of India, 8 January 2005





** DIETS: THE TRUTH IS OUT HERE

India's ace holistic health guru, MICKEY MEHTA, dishes the dirt on 'fad diets'

Wowing to our lifestyle conditions, eating habits, genetic inheritance or health disorders, at some stage in our lives each of us has turned to a diet to save us from the clutches of those ugly, unwanted pounds. So now you have low fat, zero fat, low carbs, no carbs, high protein and co. to depend on. End result: we lose the physiological functional balance of our body.

A common man/woman being unaware of the nutritional values in food and their required allowances to the body, very easily becomes the victim of these myths or fad diets in order to lose weight. In doing so, he/she ignores the deteriorating effects of such actions on the body and mind. And thereby becomes an unknowing victim to the myths and misconceptions about food and dietary patterns, which are easily available off the shelf in the market.

RAISING THE CURTAIN ON SOME SO CALLED DIET TRUTHS

FICTION: Low fat foods are low in calories, so it helps you lose weight.
Fact: To cater to the demand for low fat foods, manufacturers are now producing many items that can be advertised as low fat. Trouble is, when you look at the label, the high carb content is often comprised of sugars of one kind or another. It could be have many other different types of sugar in it. Even some of the more conservative health "experts" agrees that a diet high in sugars is unhealthy. Foods that contain high fructose corn syrup, aspartame as the main sweetener, could lead to gastric discomfort in some people.

FICTION: Zero fat food is the best for your heart and the quickest way to lose weight
Fact: Fat is an essential component of diet and serves a number of functions in the body. Fat is a concentrated source of energy, twice more than protein or carbohydrates. Presence of fat is required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Apart from this, there are other fats as essential fatty acids, derived from vegetable sources are required for structure and functions of cells. In your diet, one-third the calories should come from fat.

Note: We all need a balance between protein, fat and carbohydrates, and this balance seems to vary. But a balanced diet is the key to good health.

......ROUGE, Times of India, 25th December 2004





** MISS WORLD DOMINATION
Once disapproving of beauty contests, India is now a veritable Miss World factory, with anxious mothers, exhausting training and Botox all playing their part. Malavika Sangghvi reports on why India smiles better.

In a suburban hotel in Mumbai, 30 pretty girls clad in leotards are making decidedly unladylike noises and faces as they heave themselves up and down the stairs, crawl on their knees across the lawn and lunge until their faces turn blue.

It is only seven in the morning, and the girls have a good two hours to go before they will be given a short break to have their vegetable juices and vitamins. Their trainer, a muscular man called Mickey Mehta who bears an uncanny resemblance to Freddie Mercury (in fact, he hails from the same community of Zoroastrians), is proud of the fact that he cuts the girls no flak. ' We're working on her abs,' he says with a proprietary air, pointing out the flab around one girl's hips. At one he screams: 'Get focused,' even as he exhorts a third to 'breath deep and concentrate'.

None of the girls seem to mind; in fact, they seem to have left not only their egos, but also their inhibitions behind on this balmy November morning. The hard work is not in vain. They are Indian beauty-pageant finalists, and three of them will go on to win the Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss India Pacific titles the very next year.

....Malavika Sangghvi, HARPER & QUEEN, November 2004





** HEALTH BEYOND FITNESS
To look at health as 'wholesome' is to follow a programme that focuses on all the five physiological, psychological, emotional and spiritual - collectively. When beginning such a programme, the objective should be very clear. It is for cleansing the body, refining, nourishing, rejuvenating, revitalizing, energising the self, and also for strengthening and bringing it to the right proportionate shape and tone.

Following a Diet Plan

For rejuvenation of the self, avoid food that is processed, refined with additives, artificially sweetened and coloured, and deep fried. No tea or coffee is allowed. In other words-stick to the naturals.

Remember - what you eat is what you become!

For those on a moderate weight-loss programme, begin the day with two glasses of fresh vegetable juice comprising lauki, tomatoes, spinach and fenugreek leaves and a half lemon. The juice should be unstrained, unrefrigerated and without seasoning.

For breakfast - one bowl of sprouts with your favorite seasoning is sufficient.

Lunch should comprise of any no-oil vegetable with two simple small chappatis (made of jowar / bajra, and not wheat) And mind you, it's 'no grease' strictly. The evening snack can be had at 4.30pm, and it's a bowl of sprouts again. As for dinner, make a conscious effort to complete this meal by sunset or latest by 7pm - this is very important. And keep it cereal free. Have a clear soup with a no-grease vegetable. You can have a salad if you like. There should be no food intake after this.

The writer Mickey Mehta is a holistic healer & spiritual guru, and one of India's best-known fitness experts.

......WEDDING AFFAIR, Volume 6 Issue 3, 2004 ARPER





** I WANNA BE A WANNABE

I wannabe a wannabe Sailing Gautam's dhow at night Coffee with Karan and Guddu at dawn Breakfast with Parmesh and Hurley and Hawn I wannabe a wannabe Hair streaked and cut by Danny Ramona and I doing sea weed facial Art of Living class with Rhea, manicure with Annie

I wanna be a wannabe Shobhaa, Simi, best friends mine Always wearing Shahab and Tarun Always carrying Prada and Loius Vuitton

I air-kissing, SMS-sending wannabe Courier bringing invites by dozen From Alex, AD, Kishen and Mark I smoking cigar with Ash after dark

I buying Hussain, I BUYING Menon Keeping big car, small dog in house PDA, IPOD, small phone, big office Also latest Apple, along with mouse

I going England, I going France Eating, drinking, doing dance Champagne, oysters, foie gras Night in Paris-morning Provence

I looking god, keeping fit wannabe Anjali, Jamuna, Mickey and Cory Botox, massage, cycle and gym Yoga, tai-chi, reiki between Anil my friend Kumar, Vijay, Anand and Anu
Calling me home, giving me wine I so happy-know not what to do

I one hundred per cent certified wannabe Always picture in the press From all wannabes in whole world I say Mumbai wannabe wannabe is best.

.......Malavika Sangghvi, Bombay Times, 04 November 2004





** HUP.....2,3,4, !
Holistic health guru Mickey Mehta recommends exercises for children....

As children have a low tolerance level for strength-training programmes, they should focus on stimulation lifting techniques and not heavy weight training. A few general guidelines should be followed before they start exercising:

--Warm up and stretch before resistance training
--Allow one or two 'rest days' between workouts
--Focus on form and technique
--Drink plenty of water at room temperature water before, during and after workouts

......TIMES OF INDIA, 14 November 2004





** THE DIWALI DETOX
India's ace holistic health guru, MICKEY MEHTA clues you into how to stay hail and hearty through the festive season

DIWALI is a festival of diyas or a festival of goodies: mithai, chocolates, fried snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, etc. An ingestion of such festive foods, infest our bodies with loads of toxins and have a disintegrating and degenerating effect on our body and mind. It can lead to serious physical dysfunctions such as obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, heart problems and kidney irregularity, indigestion, acidity, insomnia and the intensification of emotional imbalances. Main ingredients found in these foods are sugar, refined flour, salt and chemical additives that enhance flavour and colour - and extend shelf life. Their constant ingestion will lead to immense imbalances in our physiological state and bring collapses in the body's mechanisms.

Serious observations show that there are two complimentary dietary processes that go on in the human body: nourishing and cleansing. If we do not regulate them with proper dietary habits, the body gradually builds up toxins. Therefore, one needs to detoxify and cleanse the whole system, since sweets, chocolates and alcohol have abused your body.

......ROUGE, TIMES OF INDIA, 13 November 2004





** JOY STIMULATORS
Combat stress the healthiest way possible - by eating happy foods! India's ace holistic health guru, MICKEY MEHTA, shows you how.

Don't to avoid stress
1. Don't eat sugar in any form (though the body craves for sugar in stress) such as jam, sugar, honey, jaggary. Indian sweets or cake.

2. Avoid protein sources from non-vegetarian products as they build up toxin levels
in the body besides they are very high in fat.

3. Avoid fatty fried snacks like samosas and farsan, and products like cheese, whole
Milk, curds, thick shakes, ice-creams.

4. Avoid starchy vegetables including potatoes, yam, peas, etc.

5. Avoid excess fat consumption such as oil, butter and ghee.

6. Avoid junk food like potato chips, burgers and pizzas.

7. Avoid canned foods as they contain lots of sodium which increases hypertension.

......Rouge, TIMES OF INDIA, 30 October 2004






** "MINUS SPIRITUALITY, HEALTH GOES FOR A TOSS " - Mickey Mehta...
Mickey Mehta, a leading Holistic Health and Spiritual Therapist is one of the biggest internationally acclaimed 'Health and Fitness' icons in India. His few achievements include the Limca Book of Records for his "Learn Swimming in 24 Hours", Health programmes on TV, a Global Ambassador and Official spokesperson for Himalayan mineral water and much more. In this tete-a-tete interview with Shaili Kamra, he provides a deeper insight into the evolution of this fitness icon...

THE MIND-BODY-SOUL ZONE
Turning point in life...

In the year 1976, martial arts was at its peak with the movie, 'Enter The Dragon'. My cousin brother was very involved in this. He went on to do black belt and much more and also taught the same in suburbs. Nevertheless, seeing them practicing, I use to emulate them in the private confines of my home. I used to sweat so much that there used to be a pool of water around me. This initiated my first spark towards health and fitness.

Natural and healthy nutrition...

Natural nutrition is all about eating the right food, wherein 80 per cent of it is raw. This is because raw food is vibrant and alive

Spirituality and health...
Minus spirituality, health goes for a toss. This is because your organic totality can be attained only when the spiritual component is alive. You could be fit (shape, size, strength, stamina), but not healthy.

Alternate and dangerous methods people adopt to maintain themselves...
These are fads and illusions that people cannot live up to. This is why most centers like this cannot sustain. They have to create hype or bring in new fads to keep up the interest of the people.

The non-vegetarian culture...
Non-vegetarian food to talk about on grass root level is unethical because you are killing and eating. Millions of animals are being killed everyday. If from the hygiene point of view, the WHO is now endorsing non-vegetarian food as the most toxic diet ever on earth.

You have created a record for teaching swimming in 24-hours...
Teaching swimming in one day is no big deal. 75 per cent of the body is water, 80 per cent of the brain is water, nine months we've stayed in water, and so we have an affinity to water. One needs to re-establish this affinity if it is distributed by any anxieties, phobias or negative experiences. Once you establish this, the mind and body relaxes in water and then floats on it. The person's movements then decide as to what swimming style suits him or her. The will power and keenness of the person to learn is what really matters.

THE WORK-MIND-SOUL ZONE
On the work front...
I have inter-weaved ideologies, philosophies and the essence of the Vedas, Yoga, Zen, Tao, Tantra, and the like using their applications to help transform lives and lifestyles for the better.

Prior to the quest for ultimate fulfillment...
I was a martial arts instructor to various institutions and also worked with various international hotels in India and abroad as a Health Club Manager, which lay foundation for my fruitful endeavour which then lead me to the path that I am treading today with transformation, transcendence and constant evolution for a never ending quest to 'Heal the world'.

The concept of 'Health Beyond Fitness'...
With 21-years of professional experience backed by studies and extensive research, I evolved the concept of 'Health Beyond Fitness', which covers an exhaustive spectrum of expertise in physical fitness, mind science and spiritual growth through revolutionary methods. My effort of 'Health Beyond Fitness' and prime objective is to liberate the human society from suffering of diseases, ailments, surgeries, trauma of pain (of hospitalization) and make this life fulfilled with love, peace and harmony, through transforming of the gross and transcendence of the subtle.

THE SOUL-MIND-BODY ZONE
The social angle...
Recently, I served YPO's (Young Presidents Organization) at the Reliance Petrochemicals Jamnagar YPO retreat and also did an exclusive workshop for YPO's Calcutta, conducted a health awareness workshop for the CXO IBM meet at Bangalore and am still a regular speaker at various Rotary Clubs and have also been a speaker to IMC ladies wing. Right now, I'm engaged in a major global movement underway for spreading vegetarianism and a world free of smoke and alcohol, for prevention of abuse to the ecology thus protecting Mother Nature.

Your gurus...
It's been seven years that I've deeply delved into mind science and spiritual evolution. Some gurus have been a great inspiration to me like Maharishi Mahesh Yogiji, Deepak Chopra, Osho. Also Ms. Vijaya Venkat , one of the leading nutritionists has been my mentor.

The key to manage stress...
Attitude is the key to a stress free life. Stress exists only in perception and not in reality and in the mind that is not present in the present. One must believe and have conviction in what one does.

Message to readers...
Make the best of life that you live and every moment that is packed in life. Don't see how many moments you have in your life, but how many lives you have in every moment.

...........ONTRACK SUBURB, July 04 - July 10, 2004

** CHANNEL (V) GET GORGEOUS PREMIERS ON JULY 1
Channel (V) Get Gorgeous, presented by LG CDMA and powered by Elite, goes on air this Thursday, July 1, at 8.00pm. The 13-episode series aims at offering drama and excitement of a nationwide search to identify the women of 16 years and above who have what it takes the potential to get gorgeous.

The chosen 16 will be taken to Goa where an expert panel consisting of renowned finess instructor Mickey Mehta, ace lens man Sameer Parekh, well-known choreographers Tanya and Aparna, designer Aparna Chandra and make-up expert Ambika Pillai along with Hemant Trivedi will be all set to transform these 16 beauties into India's next super-models.

......exchange4media Mumbai Bureau






** NO LOSSES, ONLY GAINS

"My priority is health beyond fitness. Fitness is the lowest denomination of health. I believe health is the pinnacle of wellness." Says holistic and fitness guru Mickey Mehta. Mickey has attained a state good health through "cleansing, purifying, refining, culturing, cleansing and rejuvenating." For over two decades, Mickey has been practicing conscious breathing, which he does through the day. "Breathing and meditation is a part of my life. It's rejuvenating and makes you total, vibrant and dynamic." His gym regime comprises stretching, contractions, agility drills, postures and meditation.

It's been five years since he turned vegetarian due to ethical reasons and started following a strict saatvik diet. "I wanted my body to be sacred for my soul to reside in. I eat wholesome, natural food and abstain completely from alcohol, nicotine, tea, pastries etc," Expounding on the benefits of turning of turning vegetarian Mickey says, "I feel more evolved, enlightened and my energy levels have soared. I also practice cosmic nutrition - breathing fresh air, gazing at planets and giving and taking energy from the earth."

The principles of organic wellness, which Mickey adheres to refer to the togetherness of mind, body and soul. "Perceptually, the mind and the body are different but in reality they are one. There's a lovely line that goes, I'm not the body, I'm not the mind. I'm the one who has the body and the mind." Stress is something he refers to as "a psychological artifact - something that does not exist in reality. As a principle, I breathe, eat, rest, exercise, meditate and pray right. This is the procedure for what I'm striving for - transcendence - to go beyond karma."

........Kanaka Singh, BOMBAY TIMES, 25 May 2004






** THE COSMETIC LOOK
If beauty is more than skin-deep, Mumbai debates whether models should enter pageants after plastic surgery..

The Lakshmi Pandit controversy in the recent Ponds Femina Miss India beauty pageant has brought the rules of beauty pageants into focus. Pandit returned her crown after it was alleged that she was married, flouting rules stating all contestants had to be single.

Contestants can be disqualified on various grounds like lying about age, marital status or address. They can also be debarred if they indulge in 'improper' conduct after winning the contest.

But if natural beauty counted at all, a cosmetic surgeon's appointment book would not be littered with names from the glamour world. Says holistic health trainer Mickey Mehta, "Corrective cosmetic surgery is more to bring the participant on par with other contestants, not give him/her an added advantage. In the case of athletes, dope is unethical because it is very dangerous, altering even your mental balance and in certain cases, leading to death. Besides, it is not just beauty, but intelligence, personality and confidence that the participants are judged on. Cosmetic surgery does not alter those.

.....Hemal Ashar
MID-DAY, 4 April 2004






** THE EXERCISE OF EQUILIBRIUM

Holistic health trainer Mickey Mehta says he helps his clients develop an organically mentally and spiritually balanced body.

Trriing! Trring! "Be in utmost passivity. Let quiteude be your state. Let your mind dissolve into awareness progress into consciousness. Let Consciousness take you beyond nothingness, hollowness, emptiness and wholeness and may you be in blissful harmony. " This is not a discourse by a religious scholar but the voice mail of Mickey Mehta, one of India's finest and highest paid holistic health therapists whose "blood is deep into spirituality, deep into faith, deep into prayers"
Fitness and spiritual trainer and advisor to Femina Miss India (Femina Elite Model and Femina Look of the Year) Grasim Mr India and Mr International , Ford Super Model beauty and personality pageants, Mehta says "Beauty is not just skin deep . The quality, characteristics, personality of a woman are far beauty, This is what I inculcate in all Miss India Contestants, I tell them to be vibrant, have deep gravity, charisma and aura, be simple, humble human beings, ever supporting causes and becoming brand ambassadors against poverty, against abuse to ecology and other such issues" A perfect body according to him, is that which is "Organically , healthy, mentally in equilibrium, spiritually evolved and integrated" And a perfect woman is the one who is absolutely deeply compassionate and loving, caring who genuinely knows how to woo a man (not superficially), very warm, very patient, ever accommodating, ever forgiving, ever so sweet...." Mehta promptly admits how difficult it is to find such a woman.
....... Rashna Ardsher,
Parsiana May 2003






** JUST TALKING
Health Education Library for People enters the Limca Book of Records, for longest running series of talks on health awareness

Dr Hufrish Suraliwala, the lady who started it all is a practising dentist. She has found HELP in the Limca Book of Records, for the longest running series of talks on health awareness. Not that the Limca Book is a totally new area for Suraliwala since she is a consultant to its medical sciences section. But to have organized the most talks to ever take place.that's no mean feat.

Says Dr Suraliwala, "The emphasis is on quality. We hand-pick our speakers, selecting those who are the most prominent in their field of expertise. Recently we had Mickey Mehta, the holistic health exponent, conducting a talk. He is so popular that we had to invite him for the third time to give a talk" says Suraliwala

....Georgina L Maddox
INDIAN EXPRESS, 25 February 2003






** Talking HELPS: Experts
HELP Talks, run by the Health Education Library for People at Kemps Corner, has gained entry into the Limca Book Records 2003 edition for the longest running series of talks on health awareness in the country.

Says the medical information manager of HELP, Dr Hufrish Suraliwala "These talks are aimed at making Mumbai's citizen's savvy patients by empowering them with authentic health information provided by leading authorities of different medical specialities"

Mickey Mehta, one of the regular holistic health speakers and a consultant to HELP believes "A holistic natural approach is where nothing is disregarded, and the focus is not fragmented on an ailment or disease or symptom, but instead focused on the wellness in totality. It deals with the organic unity of the body and not just cure, but the growth of the health fountain within"

......DOWNTOWN PLUS, Times of India, 28 February 2003






** HEAL THE WORLD
Healing naturally

Therapist Mickey Mehta's holistic healing sessions at HELP, Om Chambers, Kemps Corner are drawing in the crowds. The last session also witnessed overwhelming response. Says captain DP Malhotra, who attended the last session, "The breathing exercises have reduced the numbness that I was feeling in my left jaw by around 40-50 per cent. And the breathing exercises have also considerably controlled negative emotions."

.....Sudeshna Chatterjee
DOWNTOWN PLUS, Times of India, 24 May 2002






** PARSIS IN FINE FETTLE
The Youth Wing of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO), India, had been contemplating a seminar on health for quite some time. We had first been thinking of having a cardiologist address us. But we gave up on the idea as at our age we have more problems of the heart than heart problems per se. So we unanimously agreed on having a seminar on fitness and nutrition.

Fitness guru, Mickey Mehta and Iyengar yoga instructor Zubin Zarthostimanesh very promptly and graciously agreed to oblige and share their experience with us. The venue chosen was the Cusrow Baug Pavilion.

Mickey Mehta has a record for teaching swimming in 24 hours. This has got a mention in the Limca Book of Records. Mickey is instrumental for the svelte figures of models, beauty queens, business barons and other celebrities.

In an animated discourse, he emphasized the importance of vegetarianism and healthy living. With a missionary zeal he urged the gathering to avoid dairy products and instead eat fibrous foods, fresh fruits and vegetables. He threw light on the power of prayer and how the phonetics of prayers & religious chants can soothe troubled minds.

........Dr Hufrish Suraliwala
Jame-E-Jamshed, 10 September 2000