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Bendre Body Basics
Madhuri Velegar K


/photo.cms?msid=882446 Morning Mantra
Two things are important when you talk 'fitness' - eating right, and exercise. I begin my day with a glass of hot water, and after a few quiet moments with myself, I exercise with my personal trainer for two hours. We do a lot of light exercises, including some breathing exercises, which keeps my skin allergies and colds, at bay. I do many yoga asanas, which keep me relaxed and my body flexible and fit.
Walk Walk Walk
If I could go for a walk every day, I'd do it, but it's not always possible. But I do try to do a 20 or 30-minute brisk walk every second or third day of the week or whenever the opportunity presents itself. Walking is great exercise for a good, strong spine, and for strengthening your knees. I have a weak tailbone, and walking briskly and maintaining a good posture is important for me. Walking also keeps your muscles in shape, and improves your cardio-vascular breathing.
Stuff Yourself... With Fruits
I love everything from strawberries to apples to berries, and eating par-boiled or steamed veggies. In fact I start my day with a fruit platter. I believe one apple does the same job as one cup of coffee or tea would; it's all in the mind. After the fruit fiesta, I eat either a boiled or scrambled egg with toast, and I must have a sliver of butter on my toast or else I can't eat it. For lunch, it's usually simple vegetarian food, which consists of two vegetables - potatoes and beans are my favourites - dal and phulkas or rice, and a bowl of chilled yogurt.
Spices At Bay
After my marriage to Goldie, I've had to check my food intake because Punjabi food can be quite rich - with oils, and spices. I've grown up on sprouts, and all kinds of 'usals', and suddenly eating 'alu-mooli parathas' for lunch or breakfast can be quite heavy on the system. So I try to eat sparingly of this kind of food, and stick to my bowl of sprouts or fresh, green salads. I also tend to eat my raw salads before I start my main meal, because then I'm already a bit full, and don't tend to go overboard with the food, however tasty it may be.
Loads Of Water
If I feel bulky or need to shed some flab quickly, I just go off sweets, have a very light dinner for a couple of days, and completely cut out rice from my routine.
I stay away from liquor, and had never tasted tea or coffee in my life till I entered the industry; sometimes I drink a bit of wine, as a social must-do.
Water is my all-time favourite drink - I gulp bottles of it every hour of the day, and I believe that water not only flushes toxins from my body, but also keeps my skin bright, moist and my hair in good health.
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