Habit 1: Exercise for Fitness, Not Just Weight Loss
The first major shift in perspective that Rujuta Diwekar advocates is to decouple exercise from the goal of weight loss. For many, the motivation to work out is tied directly to the number on the weighing scale, leading to frustration and inconsistent
routines. Instead, Diwekar suggests reframing exercise as a tool for building strength, stamina, and mobility. She recommends dedicating at least three hours per week to physical activity you genuinely enjoy, whether it's brisk walking, dancing, cycling, or strength training. The true aim, she explains, is to build a routine that you can maintain for years. This is particularly crucial for women as they age. In a recent video discussing Karisma Kapoor's enduring fitness, Diwekar noted that the 30s are when women typically reach their peak bone mineral density. Consistent exercise during this decade and beyond helps in maintaining that density, supporting long-term bone health and protecting against issues later in life. By focusing on the feeling of being strong and active, rather than just shedding kilos, fitness becomes an empowering and sustainable part of your life, not a temporary punishment.
Habit 2: Embrace Balanced Meals, Not Extreme Diets
In an era of trendy diets that demand you cut out entire food groups, Diwekar's advice is refreshingly traditional: do not mess with your food. She strongly advises against restrictive plans that eliminate carbohydrates, sugar, or even dinner in the pursuit of quick results. According to Diwekar, these extreme approaches are not only unsustainable but can also lead to significant nutritional deficiencies in essential micronutrients like Vitamin D, B12, and iron. She points out that if the joy of eating disappears, joy can disappear from life itself. Karisma Kapoor serves as a prime example of this principle. Diwekar notes that if you ask the actress her secret, she might credit simple 'curd rice', highlighting that she never had to give up traditional foods to stay fit. The key is not elimination, but balance and portion control. Enjoying home-cooked, wholesome meals that include rice, grains, and other carbohydrates provides the body with necessary energy and nutrients. A varied and balanced diet is far more beneficial for long-term health than cycling through a series of restrictive fads.
Habit 3: Start Now, for the Cumulative Benefit
Perhaps the most powerful message from Diwekar is that lasting fitness is not the result of a single secret or a quick fix, but the 'cumulative benefit' of habits built over time. She uses Karisma Kapoor's radiance at 52 as a testament to the consistent efforts she started in her 30s. Diwekar identifies the 30s as a critical decade for women's health. It's a time of silent hormonal transitions where progesterone levels may begin to decrease, potentially leading to changes in weight distribution, skin, and menstrual cycles. While one might not notice significant changes in their early 30s, the foundation for health in the 40s, 50s, and beyond is laid during this period. Waiting until problems arise is a missed opportunity. The habits of regular exercise and balanced nutrition should become an integral part of life well before the more visible signs of ageing appear. This proactive approach ensures that the body is resilient and well-supported through the different stages of life. It’s not about looking younger, but about maintaining muscle strength, protecting bone health, and fostering a quality of life that allows you to feel your best at any age.
