BODY BASICS

Actor and new mother Lara Dutta on how to stay in fighting shape— during and after your pregnancy

In the very beginning, it starts off looking like you had too much lasagna for lunch. Soon enough it’s a full- sized, ripe melon bump with your hormones playing ping- pong with your mood swings. Getting pregnant, as most first- time mothers soon learn, is just the beginning of nine long months of arduous care. Apart from the crazy hormones and morning sickness, there’s also advice from mothers, older sisters, nosy aunts and over concerned, net- savvy husbands to deal with. Lara Dutta, 34, the newest member of the yummy- mummy brigade, talks about how she kept her cool during her pregnancy, and how from fashion, to food, to fitness, Dutta charted the most fulfilling journey of her life.

Fit First

While pregnant I continued with my gym and yoga workouts, modifying them to suit my pregnant state. Keeping fit and moving throughout your pregnancy will ensure faster recovery post delivery. Eight weeks after the birth of my daughter I got back to moderate exercise and three months later have resumed my regular workout. I work out on an average for an hour and a half five times a week, under the guidance of my trainer and my yoga instructor Tonia Clarke. I follow a combination of cardio and weight training along with core strengthening.

Hot Tip

Yoga is the best thing that happened to me. I firmly believe that yoga coupled with strength training creates a stronger, leaner and more flexible body. I have been a yoga practitioner for over 12 years and the benefits that I have reaped have been immense. The body undergoes a host of changes during pregnancy and any yoga routine being practiced needs to be modified into a specific prenatal routine. I followed a 30 minute routine that can be performed during any trimester, as well as meditations and exercises that build endurance and provide breathing techniques that come to the mother’s aid when she’s in labour.

Food Factor

When pregnant, a woman must listen to her own body since every pregnancy is unique. I was lucky to have a stress- free pregnancy but I ensured that I was taking my prenatal vitamins regularly and sleeping whenever I could, especially during my last trimester. Eating regular, small, nutritious meals frequently through the day helped. I also ensured I stayed off caffeine and was exercising by walking, doing yoga or going to the gym.