From essaying the role of a beggar turned courtesan, Rani, in Alif Allah Aur Insaan, to playing the simple and sweet character of Maheen in the recently concluded drama series, Bandhay Aik Dor Se, actress Ushna Shah has a number of diverse characters to her credit. Apart from that, some of her notable drama serials include Bashar Momin, Neelum Kinaray, Balaa, Cheekh, and Bewafa among many others.

Currently, the actress is gearing up for her big screen debut, in which she will be seen essaying the role of a cricketer. In a recent interview she revealed that the film is a crime drama and that the part she’s playing is just the kind of role she’s wanted to do for a while now.

When it comes to health and fitness, the actress has to put in extra effort to stay in shape, as she is not only a foodie but is pre-diabetic and has PCOS as well. To know more about her routine, we got in touch with the talented Ushna Shah, who shares how she manages to stay fit and healthy.

Lifestyle choices

Talking about her lifestyle choices, Ushna says that she tries to live a predominantly healthy lifestyle, but it comes in phases. When asked if she is a health freak, she responded, “I don’t know what a ‘health freak’ is but I wish I were one. I don’t diet, but if I feel like I’ve packed on some weight, I try to eat consciously. I also work out, but there are spells when I miss it, such as right now when I missed a week of training. So nothing ‘freaky’ here.”

On her fitness goals, Ushna reveals, “My goals depend on my plans. If I am shooting something for which I need to be fit, then I work out accordingly. I just like being healthy and having muscle mass. I also like my curves, so I have no inclination to be very skinny.”

Eating habits

According to Ushna, she eats as many meals as she wants during the day. “Sometimes I intermittently fast and at times I don’t. I consume a lot of sugar (desserts), which is terrible for my PCOS.”

As for what nutrients dominate her diet, the actress shares, “My week ranges from steamed veggies and grilled fish to three helpings of biryani. I eat a lot of oatmeal in almond milk and antioxidant teas after meals.”

Workout routine

As far as her workout regime is concerned, the actress says, “When I am regular with the gym, I usually do strength training, which is five days a week. So there is a lot of lifting, but not a lot of cardio.”

Speaking of her trainer, who guides her through her physical and dietary needs, the Balaa actress shares that she has been fortunate to work with excellent personal trainers over the years and that she has learnt so much from all of them.

“Presently, I am working with Faisal Shafi, and he is fantastic! A genius in his field, he pushes my limitations but plans ahead to make sure I am strong enough to meet the challenges,” she adds.

Stress management strategy

Ushna firmly believes that mental health is of the utmost importance. “Journaling helps you go through difficult times, especially a gratitude journal. Self-care is extremely important,” she stresses, adding that a health tip that she swears by is actually “self-love.”

On a concluding note, Ushna shares with us her stress management strategy.

“Meditation is something I am very regular with when I am going through a difficult time,” she says and recommends apps such as Calm and Headspace for those who want to get into meditation.