Lead vocalist of Call [the band], Junaid Khan made his acting debut in 2011 with the sitcom, Kabhi Na Kabhi. As an actor, Junaid has essayed a diverse set of roles in various drama serials such as Mata-e-Jaan Hai Tu, Kadoorat, Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai, Tumhari Maryam, Ishq Tamasha, Kamzarf and Hania, in which he brilliantly essayed the role of an anti-hero.

Junaid Khan is currently starring in two TV dramas – Kasak and Kashf – while he is busy shooting for Khuda Aur Mohabbat 3, that features Feroze Khan, Iqra Aziz and Tooba Siddiqui in lead roles. Apart from this, he is also shooting for another drama serial, which is tentatively titled Mohabbaten, Chahaten and stars Hira Mani and Armeena Rana Khan.

The singer and actor is also geared up for his forthcoming film, Kahay Dil Jidhar, which marks Junaid’s film debut alongside Mansha Pasha.

When it comes to fitness, Junaid believes that a healthy lifestyle goes a long way and taking care of your mental health is vital to lead a healthy and happy life. Read on to find out how the Kasak actor manages to stay in shape and stress free.

Lifestyle choices

According to the actor, he is a fitness freak. He reveals that though he is a foodie and indulges in cheat meals once in a while, he makes sure to balance it out by working out. “I realised it quite early in life how important it is to take care of myself. I rarely eat junk food and I am quite conscious about my lifestyle choices,” he shares.

Junaid stresses that a good amount of sleep will help your hormones to function properly. “Make sure that you sleep at least 7 to 8 hours and also maintain your sleep cycle.”

Fitness goals

“I believe mind and body go hand in hand.” He continues, “Basically my fitness goal is to keep myself mentally and physically fit and happy and for that I work out regularly, eat nutritious food as well as enjoy cheat meals.”

He further shares that he takes care of his emotional well being by staying away from negativity and unnecessary aggression. “I try and channel my negative energies towards productivity like working out or meditating,” he adds.

Eating habits

As far as Junaid’s eating preferences are concerned, he says that should be balanced. “I totally rely on a natural diet and am always on the lookout for the right diet combination, which doesn’t compromise my calorie intake and keeps my energy levels high, without gaining weight,” he shares, adding that he keeps on examining and analyzing his body to see if he needs to change his diet plan.

“My diet includes about 40 per cent of carbohydrates, 30 per cent protein and the rest is fat and minerals. I firmly believe that consuming healthy carbs and fibre is necessary as they give you energy and benefits brain function as well,” he informs. Junaid furthers that he avoids chicken, caffeine and sugar, and consumes natural sugar found in fruits such as bananas.

“I drink lots of water and due to the pandemic I have started having ginger tea on a regular basis. Besides, I take 2 to 3 meals a day which includes steamed vegetables, mutton and fish,” he reveals.

Workout regime

Speaking of his exercise routine, the singer-actor says that he works out three to four days a week and at times he exercises daily as well. “If I workout every day, it’s not aggressive and is actually maintenance workout. I do stretching daily to keep my body active and once or twice a week I play cricket and hardball.”

He also reveals that he does bodyweight workout and has dumbbells and resistance bands at home. Besides, Junaid keeps on researching the internet about the latest workout trends and is lately inspired by calisthenics, which is challenging and very rewarding.

On how he keeps himself motivated for a healthy lifestyle, he says, “When you get involved in the fitness regime, that in itself is very motivational, especially when you see the results and changes in your body. That is what keeps me going.”

Mental health & stress management

Talking about his stress management strategy, the Kasak actor says, “Music is one tool for me to stay stress free, it relaxes me. Moreover, riyaz is a kind of meditation for me and helps me stay away from stress. Working out also channels my excess energy and my endorphins kick in, triggering a positive feeling.”

He asserts, “I have come to the conclusion that mental health is more important than physical health. If your mind is healthy then your body will also be healthy and vice versa.”

Piece of advice

On a parting note, he advises all his fans to focus on their mental health. “Stay away from negativity and stress. Remember mental wellbeing is the most important thing. Try spending time with those who give you positive energy and indulge in productive activities that make you happy,” concludes Junaid.