Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s mantra for staying fit
The actor-businesswoman on her fitness journey and how it’s never too late to start working on our health
Actor and businesswoman Shilpa Shetty Kundra is on a mission to make India healthy. She gives the lowdown on her best fitness tips:
Q. How did your fitness journey begin?
It started when I was 10 and had little understanding of fitness. I used to be a volleyball player and did Taekwondo. But taking it forward and wanting to help people to explain how it can make a difference to their lives happened 10 years ago when I produced my first yoga DVD, Shilpa's Yoga, then a book, The Great Indian Diet, and now YouTube with theshilpashettychannel.
Q. What is #ShilpaKaMantra for women on the go?
Eat a heavy fibre-rich breakfast/smoothie. Carry your own food—packed lunch or nuts. Don't take your health for granted. Practice makes perfect. Make an effort and see the change.
Q. What is one thing that you stick to when it comes to your diet?
I try not to eat after 7.30 pm and keep a gap of three hours between dinner and sleep time.
Q. Yoga or gym?
Any kind of recreation, sport or exercise is good for you. I encourage weights as well because as you grow older, you lose muscle mass and bone density, but I propagate yoga, because it not only strengthens but tones and stretches, all in one go. Once you live life based on the yogic principles, it will change your sentiments, behaviour, mind and actions. It's a lifestyle.
Q. How do you find a balance between work, raising a child, and your health?
Women simply excel at multitasking—it's hard, but not impossible. My son, family and our health is top priority; rest everything comes second. But when I am at work, I'm 100 per cent committed.
Q. How do you unwind?
I breathe deeply, try to take a massage wherever and whenever I get the time.
Q. Your weekly cheat-day videos have gone viral. What is your favourite indulgence when it comes to food?
I started it to show people that I'm human too and though I lead a disciplined lifestyle, Sunday is the day to indulge. It's important for the mind to not crave. I have a terrible sweet tooth and as you see on Instagram, I love a good dessert.
Q. Favourite character portrayed by you on screen?
My roles in Phir Milenge, Dhadkan, Rishtey and Life In A Metro.
Q. One health tip you would want to give to your 16-year-old self?
I never look back. I believe it's never too late to make a change.
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