‘Being happy and active is essential to shape up your body’

HEALTH STRUCK WITH EVELYN SHARMA, ACTOR

What is one fattening food item that you cannot resist?

Since I turned vegan, it has predominantly helped me lead a lot healthier life. Eating so much of good fibre, oils, and carbs have lowered my cravings for sugar and salt a lot, too. I eat everything I like moderately, except for French fries. They are my guilty pleasure. And luckily, they are vegan!

How do you get back in shape post a fattening indulgence?

I believe 80% of your fitness is simply the things you put into your body, such as food, drinks, snacks. You’ll be surprised how much you tone up if you quit dairy products. It is never going to benefit you if you’re trying to shed some inches off your waist. Consumed in excess, milk, butter, cheese, ghee — are not your friends. Cut it down by 90%, and rather, make it a treat once in a while. The same goes for meat and other animal products. Cut them down, and you’ll cut down on your kilos as well. Being happy and active is essential to shape up your body. A healthy mind and a healthy physical routine lead to overall well-being. I love an active lifestyle. My favourite sports are swimming, horse riding, playing badminton, and simply, keeping my body moving every day.

Do you prefer mini-meals? What do they normally contain?

I love to snack on fruits, nuts, veggies in between my main three meals. I like eating my meals on time as it helps maintain the balance of my body, but I do indulge in small yummy snacks throughout the day to keep the energy alive.

What is a diet plan that always works for you?

I eat everything organic. I truly believe it’s what matters most when you choose what to feed your body. My mom raised me like this, and turns out, she was right.

Do you work out at home? And what exercises do you do at home?

Yoga and meditation in the morning hours work great for me as it helps me maintain positive energy throughout the day. Stretching and meditating are important to open up the body and mind. In the afternoons, I like a good Pilates class to kick those muscles into gear.

Do you prefer outdoor or indoor physical activity?

Both actually. As much as I like to align my mind and body with yoga, I also like bringing out my adventurous side with outdoor active sports such as horse riding through the outback or surfing on the beaches of Australia.

What are your favourite physical activities?

Living in a city like Mumbai, it can sometimes become difficult to find space and time for extra physical activities. But, I love playing badminton or going for a swim. It’s much easier when you live outside a hectic city. Hiking is my favourite activity in Germany. The forest is the best place to reflect and work out.

What is a healthy tip you rely on?

Drink lots of water, sleep well, follow a healthy diet and meditate to keep your mind at peace. It is important to have a healthy body and a peaceful mind above everything else.

A healthy mind and a healthy physical routine lead to overall well-being. I love an active lifestyle. EVELYN SHARMA, ACTOR