Watch what you eat

Poonam Bindra

Those who have to be on the big or small screen have to play a variety of roles and need a versatile body for the same. Nigaar Khan, who espouses the role of Prachandika in Sab TV’s Balveer, shares her tips on being fit.

Outdoor greens, for the lady

My workout mantra is never to miss my walks come hail, rain or snow. I am more of an outdoor person rather than a gym person. I do weights as well. So I see to it that I go for my walks or my run or cycle every day. I am also able to collect my thoughts while walking.

Health is what matters the most

Health is definitely a constant effort and you can’t take your health for granted. And especially being a part of this industry, I have to maintain a particular size. I love the way I look and it is a lot of effort right from exercising, to what I eat and how I live my life.

Watch what you put in your mouth

I don’t have any special diet, but I do have a routine. I see to it that when I wake up in the morning, I have a teaspoonful of apple cider with warm water on an empty stomach. There are a few habits I maintain. I don’t drink water while I am eating my food, I wait for 20 minutes after my meal and then have water, so that my food breaks down faster. Secondly, I don’t eat fruits after 6 in the evening so that avoids sugar deposits. I like to eat small meals and I eat every three hours.

Say no to preservatives

Avoiding foods with preservatives has definitely helped me in keeping fit. Foods with preservatives is one thing that I have realised is unhealthy, as I read a lot of books on nutrition. So that is one habit of mine that I have maintained and I see a lot lesser bloating that I used to experience before.

My day starts with ….

My special food inputs would be don’t mix your carbs, I am not one of those people who avoids carbs completely. Yes, I eat my rice but completely starch-drained. I stick to protein a lot so if I have to substitute rice with quinoa, I like to do that. My day starts with apple cider and cinnamon drink and my day ends with a glass of green tea.

Listen to your body

I think your body really conveys a lot so one has to listen to it. A lot of people take sleep for granted, I think sleep is very much required along with enough amount of rest. Especially, for people who belong to an industry that works 24 x 7. I think one should give a lot of importance to sleep and rest because once your body is well-rested, it rejuvenates and it can work much better than what you expect.

Carrot-cake and dark chocolates

I have a huge weakness for dark-chocolates and carrot cake. These are the two things that I can’t resist. Yes, I love my sweets but I see to it that I eat them once in a week or so.

Wherever I go, I walk

My regime is almost the same wherever I go, whether I am in Mumbai or in Abu Dhabi. The person that I am, I very persistent. Like I mentioned earlier, I am more of an outdoor person so I see to it that I go for walks, a run or cycling every day.

Some advice

An honest advice that I would give to anybody, is to give fitness importance. The way our lives are going, it is hectic, it is busy. I think one should dedicate at least half an hour or forty five minutes everyday to fitness. Walking is the best exercise a body can get and one should maintain their walks everyday, no matter what age they are.