Her glowing skin and svelte figure has millions of girls aspiring to be in her shoes. But Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor says it is her 'vegetarian' diet that keeps her fit and glowing. "Apart from doing yoga to keep myself fit, I am a pure vegetarian. I don't eat meat and that has helped me a lot to keep fit," Kareena told reporters in New Delhi.
"I am proud to be a vegetarian and I am against those who eat meat. Go green to be fit, that's the best way for me at least," she added. Kareena had given up non-vegetarian food in 2006, that is two years after she started dating actor and former beau Shahid Kapur, a strict vegetarian himself. But even after her break-up with Shahid, the actress has continued to follow a vegetarian diet to keep her weight in check.
In fact, in 2007, Kareena had also won the 'Cutest Vegetarian' online poll conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India's youth division 'PETA Dishoom'. She shared the title with actor R. Madhavan. Apart from eating vegetarian food for her figure and fitness, Kareena's water intake is high to keep her skin radiant.
"I drink a lot of water for my skin. And yes, my mom is beautiful, so it is also my parents who have gifted me with beautiful skin," she said.
Beauty tips by Deepika Padukone
What keeps you looking this good? My daily skincare regimen involves cleansing, toning and moisturising. Healthy skin needs mild cleansing, for which I use gentle soaps. I use products that are mild and do not strip my skin of essential proteins. I am not much of a make-up user and stick to basics like a moisturiser, lip balm and a neutral foundation.
I don't go for regular facials, but do indulge in clean-up sessions once in a while. Also, I am very particular about taking off the make-up before I go to bed. As a ritual, I like to luxuriate in a relaxing body massage with lukewarm coconut or baby oil every week. I think working towards maintaining a healthy body should be a priority for everyone. It is also equally important to maintain a high emotional quotient and a positive attitude towards life.
How do you take time out for yourself after a hectic work schedule? I take care of myself with homemade remedies and a balanced diet. Working towards maintaining a healthy body should be a priority for everyone. I try and work out as often as possible. Since, I travel regularly, it becomes difficult for me to have a daily workout routine, but whenever I hit the gym I do cardio training and some light weights.
Thanks to my years dedicated to badminton, I have an athletic body. Also, since relaxation matters, no matter how busy my shooting schedules are, I always keep some quality time aside for family and friends.
What is your beauty advice for all the girls out there? A healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet and the correct skincare and fitness regimen all go hand in hand to make possible a beautiful you today and tomorrow. I am a firm believer in skincare the natural way. I am careful about using skincare products that are the right mix of nature and science.
One should never try to go overboard on any products, as I think the more you try to be experimental with your skin, the worse it gets. Just stick to the basics of skincare and witness the splendid results. There are a host of natural effective products available that are a better bet than harsh chemically enhanced ones.
How important is a healthy diet for looking beautiful? A healthy diet is the first step towards a healthy and fit body. I take a balanced diet with carbs and proteins, and I'm very particular about dietary proportions. I have three main meals in a day, breakfast being the most important of them all. I try to keep my meals balanced and simple.
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