Mandira Bedi is many things to many people — actor, television presenter, sports commentator, daughter, wife and now mother to baby Vir. Known for her fit frame and vivacious personality, having won a stunt show on television, she is considered an epitome of fitness. At the EEMAX awards ceremony at Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon to co-host the event with actor Boman Irani, recently, Mandira talks about her workout schedule and diet plan.
“Fitness is a very important part of my life. Post the birth of my baby, I had set a deadline for losing weight, and I managed to shed 22 kilograms in just six months. Fitness is a way of life. I don’t exercise to look good or for cosmetic reasons, but to remain strong and fit. It’s a happy space for me,” says the hale and hearty Mandira.
Talking about her preference for the gym over yoga, she says, “I get bored during yoga. I love running, spinning and doing cardiovascular exercises in the gym. But, yes, power yoga has helped me a lot to look my best.” She follows a specific schedule for working out and never misses an opportunity to exercise. According to Mandira, “Usually I work out five days a week. I do strength training and cardio for 20 to 40 minutes to get the lean and toned look. But I also take a break from exercise for about three to four days after every 20 to 25 days. The body needs rest too. You can’t find a gym everywhere, so I run up the stairs at least 20 times to keep my fitness in check.”
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Many people crib about not finding time to exercise. But, she has a word for them too. “We have 24 hours in a day. If you eliminate seven hours of sleep, sparing 45 minutes for your exercise should not be difficult.”
She says she doesn’t require a nutritionist as manages to eat and exercise well by herself. “Monday is a fast day for me. For breakfast, I prefer having fruits, milk, porridge, eggs and, sometimes, an egg-white omelette. Evenings, I munch on healthy foods like corn, sprouts and soya. For lunch and dinner, I have dal, roti and subzi , which is sufficient to keep anyone healthy,” elaborates Mandira.
Three months after giving birth, Mandira resumed her original fitness schedule. She adopted a six-day plan involving power yoga, walking, running and other forms of exercise. “To lose weight, one should do more than what your body is used to,” adds Mandira.
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Adhering to the rules of a fixed diet plan is not easy for her as she lapses into occasional binges. “Though I’m not able to follow a diet plan, I manage it somehow. I am a vegetarian and healthy eater. I avoid desserts as it’s like sweet poison. They tempt you but also tend to give you oodles of weight.”
Mandira got married on Valentine’s Day in 1999 and gave birth on Father’s Day last year. Talking about the connection she says, “It wasn’t planned as such. The year we married was also auspicious. But, it was a delight that such a connection came up,” she laughs. In the end she advises the younger generation: “Don’t starve. Eat at regular intervals. A biscuit, sandwich or fruit is a good option. Don’t overstress and do work towards becoming stronger, healthier and fitter.”