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TV host and radio jockey, Anoushey Ashraf shares how she manages to stay safe, healthy and in shape while in lockdown.
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the lockdown of more or less the whole world. Almost everyone is stuck at home until further notice and many celebrities are taking advantage of this time to relax, learn new skills or simply focus on their health. Social media is full of videos and posts that show how they are staying occupied.
Television host and RJ of ‘The Breakfast Show’ on CityFM89, Anoushey Ashraf has also been quite active on social media since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. Not only has she been practicing social distancing, but is also generating funds along with designer Nomi Ansari, in order to provide ration packages to daily wagers.
Instep got in touch with the host and RJ in a bid to know how she is maintaining her fitness regime during the current pandemic and what measures she is taking to stay safe.
The RJ shared that she is not exactly a health freak but just someone who is very conscious about their health. “I think about my health and aim to make the right choices. I firmly believe in eating in moderation,” shared Anoushey, adding that she avoids overeating and these days she is trying to stay away from meat a couple of days a week. As far as working out is concerned, the RJ said that she is not really into any kind of hardcore exercises but she does a lot of meditation.
According to Anoushey, the key to a healthy lifestyle is moderation. Talking about her eating preferences, she said, “I have around 2 to 3 meals daily. I have an apple and a banana everyday come what may. I also consume dates and opt for fruits during the day.”
She further went on to say, “I just love orange and watermelon juices, which I don’t think are very beneficial for health but they taste yum. However, I make it a point to take supplements such as fish oil, vitamin D and vitamin B. I take a lot of stuff to boost my immune system like turmeric, milk and kalonji (Nigella seeds).”
On what she consumes during the day, Anoushey shared that she indulges in a heavy breakfast. “My breakfast includes an egg (my life depends on it), asparagus, butter, toast, some beans and I usually skip lunch.” She continued, “Before having dinner, I take a fruit or a couple of dates and then have whatever is cooked in the house like daal chawal, aloo gosht, biryani.”
She added, “Instead of having two rotis I have one or at times I avoid it altogether, the same goes for dessert. Also, I eat early at night and sleep at least five hours after having my dinner. It gives me enough time to digest it.” The host also believes that if you have rice in the afternoon skip it at night or if you’ve had parathas on a Monday then don’t have them the rest of the week. “Don’t deprive yourself of anything, while you keep your exercises going on the side.”
As for her workout routine, Anoushey shared that on normal days, she cycles, swims and dances a lot. She tries to play sports like tennis, badminton and table tennis as much as she can. “I am always up for cycling, walking, swimming etc and I definitely think it has helped me a lot in staying fit over the years. Of course then there is yoga as well as meditation,” she asserted.
Speaking of the precautionary measures she is taking during the coronavirus pandemic, she said, “I am staying indoors as much as I can, practicing social distancing, washing my hands often and not touching anything. If I go to the pharmacy or grocery store, I wear gloves and as soon as I come back I wash my hands.”
She urged her fans and followers to cooperate with the government and police. “If they are asking something of you as a citizen of Pakistan, be responsible and put your trust in the authorities for a change. It is for your own good. Stick at home, wash your hands for 20 seconds, that too frequently, do not hang out in groups and go out only and if absolutely necessary.”
While in self isolation, according to Anoushey, the changes that she has made in her diet include taking a bit more Vitamin C in the form of pineapple and orange juices. “I take honey and water once a day, some tea and am making healthier choices. And yes, kalonji has been a definite addition especially after I’ve heard that it saves you from a lot of trouble in terms of the pandemic,” she stated.
On how to stay active and fit during this testing time, she stressed, “Go for a walk, take up some 30-day yoga challenges or health challenges. This is actually the time to focus on your diet and work on your health and regain it. Sleep well; I think that’s the biggest part of staying fit. Also have a lot of water, fresh juices and fruits. Try to work out for half an hour or 45 minutes – you can mix yoga with meditation. You can also opt for basic exercises like some squats, lunges and pushups and make sure you are committed to it on a daily basis.”
Anoushey revealed that these days she has been struggling with her mental health. However, to stay away from stress she keeps herself busy with a little bit of art and television, spending time with her pets and skype-ing with friends. “Apart from this, I practice yoga and meditation and make sure NOT to read a lot about COVID-19. I am taking it one day at a time and that keeps me a little motivated,” she concluded.
