Going bellystic?

Mona

When winter, with all the gastronomic treats attached to it, is here, can winter belly be far behind? Short, cold days cut down one’s exercise regimen; it’s rather tough to say no to saag and makki ki roti with dollops of white butter, gajar ka halwa, pinnis, gachak and what not...Well, the results show when finally the sweaters and jackets go off, one’s left with fat accumulated over the wintery months...

If you have promised not to repeat the mistake, here are some tips and tricks to keep your weight well in control through the cold season. 

Mind before body

It’s the mind that one needs to train before the body. “If you make your health a priority, you would make that extra effort to wake up an hour earlier to hit the gym,” shares model Shubham Sharma. If you put in that kind of effort in exercise, you will be conscious of what you are eating. “Skipping exercises, followed by eating mindlessly, leads to winter belly. Discipline your mind, and life, to ensure a fit winter.”

Bank on ghar ka khana

Actor Pooja Verma is not the one to compromise on winter delicacies but she sticks to the homemade food. “If I am going easy on the exercise routine, I just stop eating outside. I gorge on Mummy ke hath ka winter stuff.” 

As for exercise, Pooja waits for the sun to be out. “Let me be honest, it’s just not possible to get out of the bed in cold mornings, so the gym time is afternoon, when the sun peeps out for a while.”

Maintain calorie deficit

Police officer Harry Sekhon, who recently won Mr Olympia 2019 at Las Vegas, asks you to eat, and eat more often. “Starving leads to nothing. Our body needs nutrients to survive, ensure to provide it on daily basis on 40:40:20 which is protein, carbs and fat in that ratio.” 

The trick, he says is to maintain calorie deficit in case you wish to lose some flab. “Maintain your calorie chart. Diligently watching your calorie intake is the sure-shot way to welcome summer in a fit avatar!” 

While Bhavna Anand Sharma, of  Cureveda, makes a case for supplements like garcinia and guggul, which control appetite if taken in the proper dosage. She enlists the need for balanced diet and exercise. Eat what you like. Just observe the quantity and timings. Shubham says, “Fill yourself with calorie-laden favourites for breakfast and lunch, but go light on dinner. A wholesome homemade soup can be one option.”

With ample water and a resolve to watch your weight, the time for making the bikini body for the coming summer is now!