I’ve learned to love my body. It took me time, but I’m on my way..
After an accident in 2008 where I had dislocated my knee cap and ankle cap, I was advised rest to let it recover. I was a fitness fanatic in those days and hence, without giving the injury much healing time, I continued to push myself. I strength trained, daily, with high intensity. I was addicted! Lifting 40 pounds dumbells gave me the ultimate high. Well, addiction causes problems and it did for me as well. I damaged my collateral ligaments, and I was advised no physical activity for next 18 months. The story doesn’t end here, not only was I unable to exercise for 18 months, I gained weight, and could not workout with same intensity for a very long time. During this powered down period I realized the essence of good health, i.e. do what you love doing, but in moderation. Hence I decided to not let go of my passion but alter the methods to suit my body structure and limitations.
Here are a few things I do now, to keep myself healthy and happy:
I still workout, but smartly:
I still end up lifting 30 pounds occasionally if not 40, but I decided to shift to alternate methods of cheating muscle memory. I love resistance and functional training session (combination of TRX, core strength, kettle bell etc.) Hence, 3-4 times a week my exercises typically includes a combination of weight and functional training, and twice a week it comprises of cardio and yoga. A mix of work outs helps improve the metabolism and increase bone density. It also stabilizes the core which, as the name suggests, is the most important body part to focus on.
Apart from exercises, I walk whenever possible, and take stairs to keep the movement on.
One of my favorite quotes which I share with fitness enthusiasts is that ‘Intensity in fitness is not if you can run faster than the most, or lift more weights than the others. But, it is if you were able to better your past records to create new ones.’ I regularly try to practice what I preach!
I focus on my diet:
For my nutrition, I balance my plate and my day. Which means I enjoy my food, but, I’m mindful of my portion size. Half of my plate consists of vegetables (salad + sabji), 1/4th would be cereals (roti/rice/whole wheat bread/dalia) and 1/4th would be protein, being an ova vegetarian it would typically consists of curd/paneer/dal/eggs. I’m very particular about my breakfast (we break our fast after our last meal the previous day), I never skip it, and I eat at least 2 fruits per day, and drink 2-3 liters of water.
Another important part of my nutrition is that I don’t let my diet be dominated by one particular kind of an oil, I use a combination of PUFA- poly unsaturated fat (soya bean oil) and MUFA – mono unsaturated fat (groundnut double filtered or olive). Using a combination of two oils for meal preparation is healthy for heart.
I would be lying if I say that I don’t cheat.. I do.. but I have allotted a cheat day. I eat whatever I feel like, once a week, but in moderation and not after 8 pm.
I believe in relaxing:
Besides the above, I believe it is super important to unwind. I’m an avid reader. It’s a great way to switch off from your surroundings and gives me a perfect ‘me’ time. On the weekends I try my hands at photography or catch up with friends. I love taking an evening stroll with my mom.
I truly believe in the Law of Attraction, which states that whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. It’s the idea that we can attract anything we want into our lives by visualizing our desired results, using affirmations, expecting good things to happen, being appreciative, and taking inspired action. Remember, we are not the same. We are created in different shapes and sizes. It is alright. Fitness & wellness is all about mind over body. Let your thoughts rule. Plant the seed today. You will reap benefits for life.