Jacqueline Fernandez reveals her fitness secrets

Actress Jacqueline Fernandez tells us how to eat our cake and not pile up the pounds...
BEAUTY AND THE BODY
When I first came to India from Sri Lanka, people were surprised to see my toned arms. I had come right after the Miss Universe pageant (2006). I was skinny. In fact, I weighed 10 kilos less than what I weigh today. Right now my weight is around 56 kilos! I was told that I was too thin and that my stomach was too flat.They suggested that I should have some fat and that a li'l belly show works. But now things have changed. You can't even have one pound of fat on you. Even if I put on one kilo, it will be noticed in the photographs and people will say, "Oh! She's fat."
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The first time I joined the gym was during the Miss Sri Lanka pageant in 2006. Then, I went for the Miss Universe contest where I was exposed to girls who were very fit for their age. They could have joined the Olympics. They were doing crazy exercises. While I was only doing the treadmill, some weights and squats, these girls were doing hammer jacks, parade, cross fit...the works. But after joining movies, I've become more aware about health, fitness and nutrition.
JUST WORK IT
After Murder 2, I had somehow become unfit. I had become lazy. I wasn't working out much. But when I signed Race 2, they wanted me to do fencing.
I was keen to be super fit for the film. I began working out non-stop, started doing cross fit and gymnastics. Today, I am on a routine that is natural and easy for my body. I like to alternate things. Neither am I on an extreme diet nor am I on an extreme workout.
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Fitness is your strength and regular exercise a must. I wake up at 7 am. After a cup of tea and reading the newspapers, I work out for an hour at home. On days when I'm feeling energetic, I work out even twice a day. I do it on a mat with great music ­ rock, pop and even EDM. When I go to the gym, I prefer light weights. I go a bit heavier with the legs as they are strong.
YOGA TALK
I also attend yoga and dance classes. My yoga is not just about Suryanamaskar. I keep trying new things. I have been training with yoga instructor Deepika Mehta. I enjoy dancing too because it's not only an exercise but also enables you to learn the form, something which Madhuri Dixit endorses.
SMART DIET
I have a protein shake after my workout. I divide my meals into three portions: carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables, a mix of rice, beans or proteins and salad or stir-fried vegetables. Also, I make these `nutri-balls' at home. I combine dry fruits, nuts and seeds together and form them into balls.
When I feel hungry while travelling, I have them.
Generally, I'm not too strict with my diet. If I want to eat a chocolate or a pizza, I do.
Even when I cheat, I keep it healthy. Like if I want to have pizza, I'll go to a good restaurant where you can ask for your choice of vegetables with a thin wheat crust. At times, I enjoy a bit of cake or some dessert. It's not like it will kill you. Also, when I'm travelling, I make it a point to walk. I don't get into a car or cab easily. So there are smart ways to stay fit.

By Raghuvendra Singh@wwm.co.in
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