Nita Ambani, the chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, has long been admired for her business acumen and philanthropic efforts, but also for her commitment to health and fitness. At 61, she continues to inspire many with her energy and radiant appearance. What exactly does Nita Ambani do to maintain her health and stay in such great shape? On International Women’s Day, she shared insights into her diet and fitness routine, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health, especially for women as they age.
A Holistic Approach to Fitness
Nita Ambani’s fitness philosophy extends beyond just physical workouts; it’s a holistic approach that integrates various activities to nurture both physical and mental well-being. Her routine includes:
- Regular Workouts: Nita Ambani works out 5-6 days a week, mixing up her routine to focus on different parts of the body. “Leg days are my favourite,” she revealed, highlighting her background in Bharatanatyam, which she has practiced since the age of six.
- Varied Exercise Regimen: Her fitness journey incorporates a diverse range of activities, including leg workouts, upper body strength training, yoga, core exercises, and mobility drills. She also enjoys swimming, aqua exercises, and dedicates some days to dancing.
- Daily Steps: Nita Ambani walks around 5,000-7,000 steps daily, ensuring she remains active even when traveling or with limited workout options.
- Flexibility and Mobility: Mobility, flexibility, yoga, and core strength are integral to her daily routine.
- Mental Well-being: Nita finds peace in exercise, emphasizing its role in releasing endorphins and maintaining a positive frame of mind.
Diet and Nutrition: A Vegetarian Approach
Nita Ambani follows a balanced vegetarian diet, emphasizing organic and nature-based foods. Key aspects of her diet include:
- Vegetarianism: She adheres to a predominantly vegetarian diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
- Protein Intake: Nita Ambani stresses the importance of protein in her diet.
- Sugar Avoidance: She avoids sugar and sugar substitutes.
- Organic and Natural Foods: Her food choices are primarily organic and nature-based.
- Beetroot Juice: Nita Ambani drinks beetroot juice daily. It’s rich in nitrates, which improve blood flow, enhance stamina, and lower blood pressure. It’s also a great source of antioxidants.
- Warm Water and Lemon: Nita starts her day with a glass of warm water and lemon.
- Avoidance of Processed Foods: She avoids processed foods, opting for natural, whole foods.
- Green Vegetables: She eats boiled green vegetables for lunch every day and prefers vegetable soup, believing it slows down aging.
The Importance of Prioritizing Health
Nita Ambani emphasizes the significance of women prioritizing their health, particularly after the age of 30. She notes that women lose muscle mass and bone density as they age, making it crucial to focus on maintaining strength, balance, and mobility.
- Muscle Mass Loss: After 30, women lose about 3-8% of muscle mass per decade, which accelerates with age.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: Nita encourages women to take time for themselves and prioritize their well-being.
- Owning Age: Her philosophy is about owning age, not fighting it.
Nita Ambani’s Message: “If I Can Do This at 61, So Can You”
Nita Ambani’s fitness journey is not just about personal achievement but also about inspiring others. She encourages women to prioritize their health and well-being, emphasizing that it’s never too late to start. She encapsulates this sentiment with the powerful message, “If I can do this at 61, so can you. Take time out. Prioritize you. Show up for yourself.”
The 18 Kilo Weight Loss Journey
Several years ago, Nita Ambani underwent a notable weight loss transformation, shedding 18 kilos. Her personal trainer, Vinod Channa, played a crucial role in this journey, recommending key strategies:
- Consistent Eating Schedule: Eating every two hours to keep her metabolism active and prevent overeating.
- Prioritizing Larger Muscle Groups: Focusing on exercises that engage larger muscle groups like the legs, chest, and back before targeting abdominal exercises.
- Core Strengthening: Performing exercises like crunches, leg raises, and planks to target belly fat and strengthen her core.
- Healthier Alternatives: Instead of eliminating indulgent foods, she opted for healthier alternatives.
Daily Habits for a Healthy Lifestyle
Nita Ambani incorporates several daily habits into her routine to maintain her health and vitality:
- Balanced Diet: A mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated throughout the day.
- Cardiovascular Exercise: Cardio exercises strengthen the heart muscle, lower bad cholesterol levels, and increase good cholesterol levels.
- Yoga: Practicing yoga for flexibility and strength.
- Swimming: Swimming engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, providing a comprehensive full-body workout.
Inspiration from Family
Nita Ambani’s weight loss journey was also inspired by her son, Anant Ambani, and his own weight loss efforts. She supported him by embarking on a diet alongside him.
Nita Ambani’s Inspiring Fitness Journey
Nita Ambani’s dedication to fitness and health serves as an inspiration for women of all ages. Her holistic approach, combining regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a focus on mental well-being, demonstrates the power of prioritizing self-care. By sharing her fitness secrets, she encourages others to embark on their own journeys towards better health and well-being.
