Shut up and bounce

Nargis Fakhri is a blend of the bold and beautiful. Someone who knows her mind and body. No actress can perhaps rejoice in a bikini with such grace and sensuality. The half-Czech beauty insists her approach is holistic. “I believe in working out my mind, body and soul. That is the key for mental and spiritual health. You have to consider your body like a temple.” She asserts that more than hi-tech workouts, it’s being consistent that counts. “Regular activity improves the quality of life as well as reduces the risk of several diseases. It has immediate and long term benefits. Good circulation and happy hormones keep the body balanced and healthy.” But she cautions that there’s no blanket rule to fitness. Rather to each his own. “It’s important for people to understand their body needs. Through trial and error I know what my body needs and what it can take and what it can’t. But yes, it’s difficult to maintain a certain shape, especially because of our crazy lifestyle. It’s harder than before,” smiles the young actor who is far removed from the size zero fad in showbiz. In her words…


MOTIVATE YOURSELF
I enjoy being active. But sometimes I come home tired from work or feel just plain lazy. Then I have to push myself. So I pop in my zumba DVD and watch it. And while doing so, I can’t help wishing that I had abs like that girl. So I get up and join in! Or I play dance/club music, which makes me dance, a great motivator to get you into workout mode. Music is a must while doing cardio. It could be dance, electronic, EDM, club, house, all fast-paced. I may also watch a documentary. When I do lightweights or stretching, I prefer to watch a film.

Remember, heavy weights can injure your back. Also, yoga can be dangerous if you overstretch or push too hard. Go slow, go steady. There is no one to compete against. We are all made different.

STAY ACTIVE
I don’t have a set workout schedule. I keep it flexible in keeping with my mood and of course my body’s needs that day. My arms are the weakest parts. I have started training them intensely. Push-ups, light weights and resistance bands are what I focus on.  I research about fitness. So, I am aware of the dos and don’ts of exercising. My concern is to remain active. I do yoga, stretching, light weights, zumba, tai chi, and of course run on the treadmill. I also prefer outdoor activities like hiking, biking, playing tennis and volleyball and swimming – activites I began while in college in Miami. Most importantly, I never use elevators. I climb up. While in school, I was an artist, painter and sculptor, which were creative and relaxing activities. Today, I enjoy visiting wellness retreats and boot camps. I take holidays that allow me to be active. Like I took a trip by myself to the Muay Thai Boot Camp in Thailand for two weeks. It was amazing. My next trip will most likely be to an ashram in South India to practice yoga and learn Kalaripayattu (an Indian martial art).

CHEAT SHEET
 Sometimes when I have been working excessively, I skip my workout. I then do just morning stretches and a few yoga. I enjoy yoga because it uses your entire body, including your mind. But the main thing is to watch what you eat. I make healthy food choices, especially when I don’t work out. But if I want to cheat, I allow myself that. I don’t believe in starving or craving something badly. Because then the binge gets fierce. The body should enjoy its off days too.

PROTEIN TALK
I prefer protein from natural sources. I avoid dairy and instead get my protein from eggs, plants and beans/dal. Carbs are necessary for brain function. So I eat good carbs with low glycemic index. I take Manuka honey (made from the Manuka tree) as a sweetener. I use pink salt (Himalayan salt). I stay away from energy bars. I don’t like the taste nor do I fancy those ingredients in them. It’s important to read labels. Because marketing makes you believe something is healthy for you. I don’t eat after 7 pm and I sleep early by 9.30 pm. I consume two-three litres of water during the day.

DETOX DELIGHT
Recently, I visited a wellness centre to detox. I haven’t felt so good in four years. I also detox in daily life. I have raw apple cider with a glass of warm water or lime with warm water in the morning. I also take psyllium husk, light vegetarian food and incorporate natural juices through the day. Plus I take vitamin C in large doses. I also take turmeric, spirulina and chlorella and selenium, to purge metals from the body. Cutting out dairy, meat, bad carbs and processed food, sodas, carton juices, fried food and sugar is a great way to start your detox. I had to lose a few kilos for a song in Main Tera Hero. So I went on a juice cleanse for six days. I lost three kilos. In the industry, I don’t have any ‘inspiration’ as such but Hrithik Roshan is super fit and works hard. Just look at him!

Nargis’ Beauty Diet

8 am:
A glass of warm lemon water

8.30am:
A cup of coffee with Manuka honey and soy milk

9.00 am:
A gluten free multi-grain toast with two fried eggs

11.00 am:
Coconut water, chia seeds, green plant powder and a half banana smoothie.

1.00 pm:
Zucchini pasta with homemade avocado garlic sauce

2.30 pm:
Nuts and Goji berries or crackers

4.00 pm:
Stir-fry mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, potatoes with quinoa

7.00 pm:
Yellow dal and mixed vegetables