The Covid-19 lockdown and self-isolation has got most of us confined to our homes and without much exercise. With a lot of sitting around and stocked up shelves, it has become easier to let ourselves go. Asian Voice spoke to fitness and yoga expert Aditi Gajjar, who shared some inside secrets on creating a routine and being more mindful of our bodies.
A Mumbai-based yoga guru and fitness expert, Aditi practices a routine balanced with yoga, breathing exercises, and clean eating. The key, she says, is to listen to your body and give it what it wants. “Connecting with your body is very important, and helps you eat, sleep, and exercise better. Feeling uneasy after dinner? That is your digestive system telling you to ease down on your oil intake. Craving for something sweet? That's your body asking you to fuel up! This is no rocket science. A lethargic and tired body may just be begging for some physical activity in its routine,” she says.
Having a colourful meal is very important, she reveals, something that can be very easily prepared in South Asian meals. Some greens, a bowl of cooked pulses, and multi-grain flour for your rotis. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Because it absolutely is! Do your pranayamas once a day, with sooryanamaskar – that is pretty much the exercise your body needs.
Aditi swears by her morning routine, something that leaves her feeling fresh and more energetic all day:
Once you wake up, drink a glass of overnight soaked warm water soaked with cumin seeds and a pinch of cinnamon. Start with pranayama – basic breathing exercises, for half an hour, followed by 15 rounds of sooryanamaskar.
Breakfast : One aloo paratha/vegetable oats chilla cooked without oil, finished with half a spoon of ghee on top , a cup of tea without sugar, and one fruit
Mid-Breakfast: Fennel seeds tea, 4 soaked almonds
Lunch: Vegetable Juice or a large bowl of grain salad with greens
Evening: Tea without sugar, two digestive biscuits
Another set of pranayama, and brisk walking for an hour
Dinner: A bowl of fruit or, vegetables sauteed in olive oil with a pinch of salt or pepper
“If you find yourself sitting around for long stretches, try fitting in some exercise while at it. Stretch. Hydrate. This one is so important. It is absolutely vital for your body to get enough water. You don't need an expensive gym membership, or a trainer to feel healthier or 'clean'. All you need is determination,” Aditi said.
She added that “healthy” doesn't necessarily come in a 'six-pack'. “Healthy comes in all shapes and sizes. What is important, is that you are eating right and getting enough exercise,” she ends.
