The exclusive DSSC x Zoe Modgill Stay Fit Series is back to give you an insight into balanced eating and set you on the path of achieving Modgill level fitness. Sharing her holistic lifestyle POV and beating the loophole, a.k.a weekend indulgences, Zoe dishes out her secret to becoming a fitness doyen. The Modgill diet is one you need to follow and as we follow through an intense sesh of HIIT training, the lady herself pens down top tips to amp up your routine. Read & learn.
It’s All About Your Lifestyle
I think one of the biggest challenges people face when trying to get fit & healthy is lifestyle. In today’s day and age, our lifestyle commonly includes eating out, partying, work events, and family celebrations. And as the weekend arrives, a relatively healthy week turns into a not-so-healthy-all-out-binge weekend.
For this reason, I have practiced and trained my mind to not look at the weekend as something too different, as far as my fitness and food are considered. All week long, I ensure mindful eating and restrict the type of thinking that says ‘wait for the weekend’. I believe that a cheat meal is better indulged in when I’m exercising, better to burn those calories than having them stored in the body on a recovery day! That way I can make up for the 2 filet-o-fish burgers (at least) I chomp every week and the brunches at Sagar with idlis, vadas, and coconut chutney.
Pre-Plan and Thank God It’s Friday!
Friday nights vary, it can be about food, tipples, dance, or parties, but it’s about making a mindful choice. The key is to pre-plan and map out your day & diet based on the activities to come. However, here are some things you should absolutely do to make Friday a rager:
- Lots of water through the day
- Eat often and little to keep full through the day so you’re not famished when you head out
- Ensure a HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout so your body is in fight mode for the next few hours. And if the evening includes a supper outside, a workout the next day is must!
It’s not hard, you just have to believe that small things & efforts make a difference, and keep practicing it.
Don’t Wine, Exercise
A small amount of alcohol can lead to quite a large amount of unwanted calories. Most alcohols have 7 calories of energy per gram, which is nearly twice as many calories as protein and carbs, hence I don’t drink. But I have never been much of a drinker anyway, I’d rather eat those calories!
Also, apart from the obvious side effects that we all know, it is also worth knowing that alcohol is a macronutrient and cannot be stored in our bodies the same way as proteins, carbs, and fats. So, the metabolism of alcohol slows down the metabolism of other nutrients. Whereas, exercise increases our metabolism and our bodies ability to deal with foods. Anything that is going to get you to sweat it out enhances mind and body wellness.
Modgill’s Must-Eats
I repeatedly emphasise the importance of balanced eating and the magic of a consistent mix of proteins, healthy fats, and carbs. Hence, my day usually starts with eggs on toast and occasionally oats with yoghurt. Lunch is fish with salads, whereas supper often involves falafel rolls on the weekends (two, in fact!).
To take a step towards healthy eating, you don’t have to give up on delish foods. Everyone changing their approach towards eating should include eggs, nuts, yoghurt, salmon, grapes, and peanut butter in their diets. It satiates your palate as well as your body!
The Zoe Special – Oatmeal Heaven
Prep Time: 15 minutes + Overnight soaking
Caters To: 2 gobblers
Challenge Level: Beginner
From The Pantry:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 ¼ cups buttermilk
Cook Away:
- Stir oats, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and 2 cups of buttermilk in a bowl. Cover and chill overnight.
- Heat in a saucepan the next morning, adding the leftover buttermilk to reach the desired consistency. Stir until hot, for about 5minutes.
- Add your favourite fruits, nuts, blueberries, raspberries, dried fruits, or granola.
Brekkie is ready to be devoured.
Zoe’s Top Tip: A dollop of cold, fresh greek yoghurt and honey work beautifully with this overnight oatmeal.
Pumping up #OurCity, Studio 60 co-founder, Zoe Modgill is a force to reckon with. The fitness goddess dishes out ace tips in this exclusive DSSC X Zoe Modgill Stay Fit series, to train you to her tones.
