important is fitness

Actress Amrita Arora takes the health route to fitness and weight loss. She says that it is very important to be healthy and a thin frame with zero stamina is of no use.
How important is fitness for you?
Amrita: Very important: since I work in the film industry, the way I look matters to me a lot but what's more important is to be healthy. A thin frame with zero stamina is of no use. You need to be healthy inside out. The key word here is fit, not thin. I am genetically thin and small; another person maybe broader but as long as she is healthy and fit, it's alright.
How do you approach health and fitness?
Amrita: I believe a healthy mind leads to a healthy body. You have to put your mind, heart and soul into keeping fit. It's so easy to give into junk food, or miss out on your workout. But if you are mentally fit, you won't give in. I think it's all about loving yourself: you need to respect your body and give it the attention it needs.
Your weight loss has made news. Are you on a diet?
Hardly: in fact, I've started eating even more now. It's just that I eat right. I have switched to a very low-carb diet and it works for me. Cutting down on bad carbs is an important weight-loss tool, it also helps in maintaining it. To keep my metabolism up, I eat more frequently (every two hours), in small portions. My dietician, Rujuta Diwekar, has planned a diet chart that is full of healthy, delicious foods. I eat muesli in the morning, fruits after that, then a pack of soya milk. For lunch I eat grilled fish/chicken, or maybe dal and 1 roti. More fruits happen later as does a cup of tea. Then it's time to munch on a leafy salad. My dinner is light too. This plan works for me as my body gets the necessary nutrition without piling on unnecessary calories.
What are the must-haves on your diet chart?
Soya milk for one: I can live on it. It's nutritious and I just love its taste. Muesli, or oats, are other items that I must have for breakfast. I like green tea at times, but a cup of regular chai also perks me up instantly. Thankfully, I love eating fruits too. Actually, my taste buds are attuned to eating healthy. And avoiding junk food comes easily to me.
What's your workout regime?
I make it a point to indulge in a variety of physical exercises every day to remain in shape. I do free-hand training for at least 40 minutes daily: anything from a hundred sit-ups, walking, to long-distance running. Twice a week, I go to the gym. But what my body really takes to is dancing. I love dancing and find it the best way to keep in shape. I also practise Bharat Thakur's yoga. Priya from his school teaches me for an hour every day. It makes me feel calmer and lighter. Of course, I am fitter and more agile.
Are you a sporty person?
In school I was heavily into sports, but I don't play anymore. I love watching cricket, though. Being active and on my feet comes to me naturally. That's why I can be regular with exercise. Having a gym routine is also easy for me!