"It's not so much about looking good as it is about feeling good, really good; feeling the rush of adrenalin after a kick-boxing class; feeling tired but satisfied after a long, hectic day," says an acclaimed model. She has a whole lot of friends who are as health-conscious, figure-conscious and beauty-conscious as she is. She claims that even if she weren't a model she would still be the way she was because she likes staying slim and fit. So, let's find out if she's in earnest.
Since how long have you been like this? Slim, fit and gorgeous?
Actually, right from my school days. My parents have always been very health-conscious. They always encouraged me to stay slim. In fact I remember my dad used to say - you eat nutritious, you live lore. Mom never stacked the shelves with chips or junk food, or the fridge with soft drinks. It was always fruits, healthy snacks and coconut water.
What is more important to focus on? Food or exercise?
I think it is a balance of both. If you only go on a diet you'll lose weight but you'll fail to firm up your muscles. I do not believe in going on crash diets. They only result in tremendous water loss. On the other hand if you only exercise and not eat properly, you'll lose a lot of weight but you won't look healthy. You'll just end up looking pale and sickly.
What is your regular diet?
I love food. And I like to see a lot of colour on my plate. I begin my day with cereals, soya milk, vitamins, fruits and my glass of milk. By midday, I have another fruit; during lunch, I have a little bit of carbs, oe else I get my rye bread, some protein-chicken, or fish. Sometimes I even have lentils or vegetables; and lots of salad. Evening's it is coconut milk, dry fruits and fruit. I am actually a fruits person. Dinner comprises nice, healthy chicken soup, salads and vegetables.
What do you do when you go out to eat or on holiday?
Oh! I can be very tiresome. When I'm eating out I drive the person who serves me absolutely mad. I'm very careful about how much oil is going inside me. It's normally always steamed or beaked dishes I order for. I ask for a lot of salad dressing on the side and bore him to death with my 'please, less oil please'. I'm not one who would go out in the night to have a burger or a pizza. When I'm on a holiday I allow myself a little liberty and let go.
What does letting go mean?
Oh well! Having ice creams and stuff like that at the weirdest hours possible. Chinese food at four in the morning; it almost sits in my stomach. I have a terrific sweet tooth. I love chocolates. Actually I need to check myself only on that front.
Do you have a tendency to easily put on weight?
Oh yes! I always have to keep a strict watch over my weight. I come to know about those extra pounds when clothes do not fit the way they should. But as soon as that happens, I work my heart out. Thankfully, it's never been very difficult for me to get back in shape.
What kind of an exercise pattern do you follow?
Well, I'm an early-riser. I get up at six in the morning; go for yoga twice a week which lasts one and a half hours. The remaining days of week, I work out at the gym. I also go for dance classes but that is not to lose weight; that's just for recreation. I also go for kick-boxing at least thrice a week. And I carry my own food and water wherever I go.
What would you do if you were a full-time working girl?
Ah! I guess that would be very difficult. I don't know how on earth would I have the time to exercise but I would definitely carry my own food - a chicken or a sandwich out of rye or whole wheat bread.
What do you think is the key to good health?
Actually, the most important thing is to find out what suits your body best. If you cannot take care of yourself, you can never take care of others. You have to chalk out a balanced diet. I have my carbs early in the morning so that I can work it out during the day. I have conditioned myself in a way that I don't crave for anything. One can follow any form of exercise; there are no hard and fast rules about that. The times I do not exercise, I am a complete couch potato. I get lethargic. When I can't exercise, I just run up the flight of stairs to my apartment. I stay on the 7th floor. I think it is also important to read about nutrition. This way you'll know what is good and what isn't. Exercise and diet, together will get your fat percentage down and help you tone up.
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