TOI article Gautam Rode

Gautam Rode, better known asSaraswatichandra these days, is one of the fittest actors around. And while guys with six-packs are often on an eggs-and-boiled chicken diet, Gautam is a pure vegetarian. The actor is often referred to as an amateur dietician these days by his friends, given the number of people who've started approaching him for diet and exercise tips. "For me, fitness is about the right habits with the right attitude," he says. Excerpts from a conversation with the actor.

On his diet I really don't see non-vegetarian food as a must for a good body or for six-pack abs. My diet includes healthy home-made food, as well as my protein shakes. I try to balance my carbs and proteins by having brown rice poha, oats, muesli and low-sugar fruits like apples, pears, oranges and strawberries. For protein, I have a good amount of dal, soyabean, tofu as well as soya milk. I also make sure to have lots of green vegetables and drink at least six to eight cups of caffeine-free green tea. I don't drink at all. In fact, I've never tasted alcohol. I don't need alcohol to get high, as living a healthy lifestyle gives me that high. I do have my cheat days as well when I like to binge, but that's once in a while and I soon get back to my routine.

On gymming I am, at times, shooting for 12-14 hours a day and hence gymming happens either before or after shoot. The day feels incomplete without having exercised and that includes everything from crunches to weight lifting. I don't believe in shortcuts in life and, hence, steroids are a big no on my list. In fact, I have seen many people taking this shortcut but I feel it ends up backfiring in the long run. People think that the only way to have a good muscular body is through steroids. But I want to tell them that the natural way is doable and anyone who is dedicated and has the willpower can do it. And, finally, it's not about getting those six-pack abs or a slim body, it's about a person staying healthy and fit.