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Pumped Up Kicks : Maya Nassar

She does give a ‘squat’ about fitness, meet Maya Souhail Nassar – Maalouf, a personal trainer, sports and nutritionist and a bikini model competitor.

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Maya-souhail-nassarPumped up Kicks Maya Nassar

Years ago, I attended a party at Maya’s house, ‘weight’ for it, her Dalmatian’s birthday party. Her childhood passion for animals never faded, and now she’s a board member of the NGO, Animals Lebanon. It’s her resolute nature and passion that has catapulted her into her successful stature. Last year, in May, she competed in Pure Elite UK Championships and won first place. Handling a busy schedule, she’s now prepping for the next bikini modeling championship. She’s rising up to the challenge of trimming down; I was glad I could catch up with her for an uplifting interview.

A Listings Editor at Beirut Editor, and now you have become a bikini athlete, how did that journey happen?

Journalism was something I was passionate about my whole life, ever since I was a young child. I discovered fitness in my twenties after gaining a lot of weight and then changed my lifestyle around to lose weight and become healthier. My transition from writer to athlete came through when a friend of mine told me about a bodybuilding competition in London, and I decided to compete. I had always been curious about taking my fitness to the next level and pushing to my limits, and I discovered I am just as passionate about bodybuilding as I am about writing.

Maya-souhail-nassar

How does it feel like pursuing something out of the box and representing yourself as an athlete for Lebanon?

It is something I am really proud of! There are very few women who do what I do here, so this can be quite challenging, especially if people do not understand why I do it. I also like to raise awareness about female bodybuilding because many women falsely believe weight lifting will make them masculine or that it will make them lose their femininity.

Who are the few people who have inspired you to take such a big step in life?

My biggest inspiration in the fitness industry is a bodybuilder called Tom Venuto. He wrote a book that changed my life and made me believe in myself. I have networked with him online, and my goal is to meet him in person one day. My husband also inspires me to keep on doing my best. He is always supporting me and encouraging me to never give up. If not for him, I might not have entered my last competition in the UK, where I ended up winning first place. I also have a supportive family and best friends, who bring out the best in me and inspire me to keep on doing my best every day.

Your challenges during the Pure Elite UK Championships were?

The biggest challenge mentally was following through with my diet. No matter how hungry I felt, I could not indulge and had to keep it up for three months nonstop. I am someone who has an enormous appetite and loves to eat, so this was particularly difficult for me. My biggest challenge physically was to keep on training while following a strict diet. I did not always have a lot of energy and had many days where I did not feel like going to the gym. I made it a point never to skip my workouts.

There must have been a few exercises you may have dreaded..

Definitely! I used to do high step ups on a box (above knee length) carrying a heavy barbell on my shoulders. It is one of the most amazing exercises for the lower body, but I absolutely hate it because of how difficult it is. I also dreaded doing squats because I used to lift heavy weights and found it really draining. Many people claim that they love squats, but I only like the results and hate the actual exercise.

How do you juggle such a busy lifestyle?

I juggle my lifestyle by prioritizing what is important and getting things done. I always train first thing in the morning to get my exercise out of the way and then to be more flexible for rest of the day. Exercising late in the afternoon means something might come up, and I might have to skip a workout. I also believe in doing something you are passionate about. One of my favorite quotes is, “ If you enjoy what you do; you will never work a day in your life. “

“I believe that changing someone’s life or hearing that I inspired them is just as rewarding as achieving my own goals.” What’s your aim with your website, Start Living Right?

What started out as a hobby is turning out to be one of the greatest things I’ve done because people are telling me that I have changed their life or inspired them to become healthier. My website offers tons of articles, downloadable guides, meal plans, exercise programs, fat loss calculators and more. I have also recently created a free downloadable mobile version of my website. It includes everything found on my site but also has animated exercise illustrations with instructions.

You mentioned, “People think exercise and eating healthy is a punishment, what they do not realize it’s actually a reward.” A few tips we should incorporate into our lives?

My first tip is to think about how good you will feel from exercising and eating healthy. It might be difficult to get started, but if you follow through for the first three weeks then it will become much easier and will eventually become a part of your routine. My second tip is that, anyone in this world can do it. There is nobody who is too old, too out of shape or too unfit to become a healthier version of themselves. Finally, remember fat loss is meant to be a very slow and gradual process. It can be frustrating to see someone lose weight much faster than you, but everyone is different, and no two people will ever be alike.

Being both a writer and sports nutritionist what are some things you learn from your readers and your clients?

I am constantly reminded of how difficult someone’s journey is and I feel like I am able to help them because I have been there myself. I know just how challenging it is to change your life around. Other people teach me how to listen, how to guide them and to always do my best to be a good role model for them.

What would you have to say to all the women around the world?

I would tell other women to always stay strong and follow their dreams. There will always be negative people and obstacles that hold you back, but overcoming difficulties and staying positive is what will push you forward. I really believe there is nothing a woman cannot achieve if she believes in herself and works hard towards her goals. I also believe it is important to encourage and support other women. One of my favorite quotes is that ‘strong people do not put others down, they lift them up.

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Young Initiative

What is the Vantara Project ?

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Reliance Industries and the Reliance Foundation introduced the “Vantara” programme (also known as the “Star of the Forest” programme) on February 26, 2024. Its main focus will be on the treatment, care, rescue, and rehabilitation of hurt, abused, threatened, or vulnerable animals in India and beyond. Anant Ambani, a director on the boards of both the Reliance Foundation and RIL, is the creator of the programme. 

Vantara (Star of the Forest) was founded on a deep philosophy that blends the accuracy of contemporary science and technology with the ancient Indian attitude of compassion, or “seva.” It is an expression of the moral duty to protect all living things, motivated by deeply ingrained Hindu traditions that maintain that serving animals is equivalent to serving the divine.

Vantara has demonstrated its dedication by organizing the rescue and rehabilitation of more than 200 elephants and numerous other animals from dangerous situations, offering these animals a safe habitat. The initiative extends beyond the act of rescue. It also includes putting key species like crocodiles, leopards, and rhinos through rehabilitation programmes to ensure their survival and well-being.

Vantara’s cutting-edge veterinary hospital, a marvel of contemporary medical technology, is the beating heart of the company’s medical endeavors. With its six specialist surgical centers, endoscopic robotic surgery technologies, and MRI and CT scan machines, the hospital is the best place for animal healthcare. The clinic, which fits damaged animals with prosthesis and helps them recover their health, is at the vanguard of medical innovation.

“The zoological park will be opened to the public soon, allowing people to witness our efforts in wildlife conservation and the sophisticated care we provide,” Anant Ambani said in a statement regarding the hospital’s capabilities and Vantara’s future ambitions.

However, Vantara’s vision goes beyond its confines. Ambani unveiled a bold proposal to transform animal welfare in India. “With training, capacity building, and the improvement of animal care infrastructure, Vantara aims to partner with the Zoo Authority of India and other relevant government organizations to improve the quality of all the 150+ zoos in India,” he said. This project, which emphasizes the value of comprehensive care and animal welfare, is poised to establish a new benchmark for zoos across the country.

In addition to being a haven for wildlife, vantara symbolizes optimism in the struggle against environmental deterioration and our responsibility to protect the planet’s rare biodiversity. Vantara asks us all to participate in a story that celebrates life in all its forms as it gets ready to open to the public.

 

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Cover Story

Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

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Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous  in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World. 

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look. 

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Cover Story

Explore the Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Places on Lakshadweep

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Lakshadweep, meaning “a hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit, is a mesmerizing archipelago nestled in the Arabian Sea. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Lakshadweep is a paradise for travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty. Lakshadweep offers activities for all types of visitors, including nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and beach bums. These are the top  activities to do in Lakshadweep when visiting.

The only ways to get to Lakshadweep are by air or boat. There are frequent flights from Kochi and Bangalore to the single airport, which is located on Agatti Island. Another option is to travel by ferry from Kochi, which takes between 18 to 20 hours. To enter Lakshadweep, visitors must get a special permit, which can be obtained online or through the tourism department of Lakshadweep. When the weather is nice and sunny, from October to March is the ideal time to visit Lakshadweep. Since there aren’t many resorts or guesthouses in Lakshadweep, it’s crucial to reserve your lodging well in advance.

Agatti Island:

Agatti, the gateway to Lakshadweep, welcomes you with its breathtaking beauty. The island boasts stunning coral reefs, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. Take a stroll along the shimmering white sands or indulge in water sports like kayaking and windsurfing. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Minicoy Island:

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Lakshadweep on Minicoy Island. The island is renowned for its traditional Maldivian-influenced culture, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. Explore the charming villages adorned with colorful houses and visit the iconic Lighthouse built by the British. Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic Maldivian cuisine and witness captivating cultural performances.

Kadmat Island:

For those craving solitude and tranquility, Kadmat Island is the perfect escape. This serene island is renowned for its untouched beaches fringed with swaying palms. Dive into the azure waters to explore the vibrant marine life teeming with colorful fish and coral formations. Relax under the shade of coconut trees and savor fresh seafood delicacies served by local vendors.

Amini Beach:

If you’re searching for quiet tourist destinations in Lakshadweep, Amini Beach is a great choice. This beach is well-known on Amini Island because of its coral sandstone surface. Adventure sports like as snorkelling, scuba diving, reef walking, and kayaking are available for you to try. Amini Beach is a great place to unwind and spend the day drinking cocktails and soaking up the sun.

Bangaram Island:

Dubbed as the jewel of Lakshadweep, Bangaram Island is a postcard-perfect destination. With its powdery white sands and emerald lagoons, it’s a paradise for beach lovers. Spend your days basking in the sun, snorkeling amidst the coral gardens, or simply unwinding in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. Indulge in a romantic beach picnic as you watch the stars illuminate the night sky.

Lakshadweep beckons travelers with its pristine beauty, diverse marine life, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the islands offer a myriad of experiences to cherish. Explore these must-visit places on Lakshadweep and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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