CHAMPION COUPLE’S HEALTH SECRETS
Myths Sangeeta Phogat shatter commonly believed Wrestlers Bajrang Punia and wife that can ruin your health and fitness goals
There is no diet fancy that’s taken in akhadas. the Everyone, from a child right to a wrestler, famous eats the anyone same wants food. to If milk, have they curd can call or their for it home. from drink While 1 litre some of milk, have others up to 5 litre! BAJRANG PUNIA, Wrestler
Acouple that trains together, stays together! Star wrestlers Bajrang Punia, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, and Sangeeta Phogat are the best examples of this. The powercouple has become increasingly popular among the youth who wants to know more about their diet and fitness regimen. Revealing the secrets, Punia and Phogat share their health and wellness journey with us!
AVOIDING PRE-WORKOUT SNACKS TO LOSE WEIGHT IS A MYTH
“Banana, eggs and coffee are good pre-workout snacks to have. It’s a myth that you should not have anything before your workout session. If you take pre-workout snacks an hour before your training, you’ll be more energetic. When I was training with my father, I didn’t know about this but now I do take a pre-workout snack,” says Phogat. Punia agrees and adds, “I also take pre-workout snack sometimes.”
FAD DIETS ARE UNSUSTAINABLE IN THE LONGER RUN
In a frenzy to become fit, people take to strict diets and even go to the extent of starving themselves. “This is just not healthy. Not eating food is not the solution to regulating weight. Eat a healthy diet and sweat it out while training and exercising” advises Phogat.
Punia agrees. “I don’t think fad diets can help you achieve your fitness goals in the longer run. They might lead to craving which can ultimately lead to binge eating which is bad for your health. Being healthy doesn’t mean taking to the latest fad diet, it means being mindful of what you eat in a day and working hard to burn the calories,” he says.
YOU CAN’T HAVE CHEAT MEALS FREQUENTLY
“Athlete aur sadhu ka same jeevan hota hai. It’s very important to eat your meals at the right time and exercise discipline over what you put in your body. Therefore, cheat meals must be avoided as far as possible,” believes Punia.
Hence, even when Phogat and Punia visit restaurants in Connaught Place, Delhi, with the mood to indulge once-in-a-while, they make careful selections. “We restrict our junk food intake, such as pizzas and burgers, to once in a month. We are mindful of resisting food that’s fried, oily and unhealthy as that leads to weight gain,” says Phogat.
SAY NO TO STEROIDS, YES TO HARD WORK
“Steroids are a no-no. Gym trainers advocating the use of steroids to build muscles or diet pills to lose weight are misguiding you. Steroids have a very negative impact on your health. Running, exercising and building your body with hard work and effort will instead keep you naturally healthier in the longer run,” says Punia. And Phogat couldn’t agree more.
The couple now looks forward to representing the country together in future championships.