Pretty skin secrets: Although I am genetically blessed, I diligently follow a cleansing, toning, moisturising routine. I'm not big on make-up and like to keep it simple. Being happy from within is key to looking beautiful.
Go nuts: Whether as a snack or as part of a meal, almonds are a must in my diet. This is something that has been passed on from my grandmother to my mother and to me. Not only does it give me a radiant glow, it also strengthens me from within. We are family: Bebo (Kareena) is a great source of strength and support. Although we are two very independent individuals, when we are together we giggle and chat endlessly. Samaira and Kiaan are also very fond of their masi and together we are one fun bunch.
With a great line-up of films behind her and a formidable lineage in filmdom to boast of, you'd expect her to be a bit spoilt. Far from it. All Karisma needs is 10-odd minutes to select the clothes she wants to wear for the shoot. "I know my body-type well, and am very sure about what suits me and what doesn't. Keeping it simple and dressing for the occasion is my mantra for looking good," she says. Even as she settles in to get her hair and make-up done, the gorgeous mom of two who is currently high on endorsing healthy living shared with us her secrets of looking fit and fab post-30.
Healthy and Wise:
While I have never been heavy, staying healthy has always been a priority. To adopt a healthy way of life, it is most important to believe that it can and will make a difference. And it comes in a package-exercising well and eating right. With age, I seem to realise this all the more. In my 20s, I could afford to be a lot more ignorant. That was also the time when I was at the peak of my career and my crazy schedules would not let me pay enough heed to the signals, leaving it to the body to do all the repair work on its own. You know how it is when you have a career to handle, the kind of fame and fan following that comes with it, the 'you' gets left out. But now I've slowed down. I take it easy, I live life on my own terms. I do things I really enjoy and in turn my body feels assured and gives me the desired results.
How I lost my post-preg weight
It may be hard to believe it, but I had actually put on close to 24 kilos in each of my pregnancies. While shedding that weight wasn't really easy, not for a moment did I regret it, considering I had really enjoyed both my pregnancies. Though I wasn't too much of a gym person, this time round I had a goal to achieve and diligently followed a gym routine alongside the right diet. I had a personal trainer who put me on a combination of cardio and weights and I worked out regularly all six days of the week.
My diet requirements were taken care of by nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar. Since I was also breastfeeding, she ensured a mix of the right kinds of foods that provided the right nutrition intake, minus the inches. A good mix of proteins, healthy fats, loads of fruits, minimal carbs and lots of fluids featured prominently in my diet. I ate six small meals spread through the day. And within six months, I was back to my earlier weight. Avoiding heavy meals when you are looking at losing weight post delivery is extremely important.
Also, fresh fruits and juices work wonders in keeping you full during this period without adding empty calories. Now that I've achieved my happy weight, I no longer follow a strict diet.
Since I have a very good metabolism rate, all I now do is exercise portion control. What is important is not the quantity of calories but their quality. For instance, if there are days when I have a heavy chicken and roti lunch, I balance it out with a light soup-and-salad dinner. Also, I follow certain principles like never missing out on breakfast. I have to tell you that I have a very strong sweet tooth. There have been numerous occasions when I have finished an entire cake all by myself, but not any longer! I don't deprive myself of those gooey delights (my mouth is already watering), but now I limit it to just a slice. That's being a wise eater.
Motherhood and more
Motherhood completely changes the way you perceive life. While being a mother of two is certainly not easy, very few things in life give you as much of a high as this. Besides, since you also always want the best for your children, I have become more aware of healthy food habits for them. I ensure what is served on the table on a daily basis is high on health benefits. Fortunately, Samaira (my daughter) has already taken to the habit well. She likes her vegetables and wholegrain cereals and I find ways and means of making them interesting for her. For instance, very often I sprinkle a handful of almonds on her salads to make them crunchier and more virtuous. What you eat as a family is actually very important in defining your child's eating habits. Having said that, it's not that she doesn't have the luxury of indulging in her favourite treats like fried chicken, French fries, pizzas and burgers once in two weeks. Considering I am a true blue Kapoor, I too love these foods and indulge in them once in a while when we are out as a family. The key is notdeprivation, but moderation.
Walk your way to happines
High on variety: Since continuous gymming can take a toll on your knees and bones, I have now stopped gymming altogether. Also, since I tend to get bored of the same workout regime, I have now incorporated swimming and walking in my daily regimen, two things that are easy for a working mom like me. What I like most about swimming is that it comes with the benefits of a full body workout and a 45-minute session in the pool helps tone me overall without feeling overstrained.
Walk on
I try walking for an hour every day, be it at the nearby park or in the garden, early morning or late evening. The best thing about walking is that you can continue with your fitness routine even when you are out on a holiday. I love taking long walks even when I am vacationing. Also, I get a lot of my exercise simply by running around with my kids. They keep me on my toes all the time!
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