Opening Doorz

By Rozzlin Pereira | Opening Doorz Editorial | May 22, 2024

Rozzlin Pereira is Opening Doorz on her Workout Routine, Eating Habits, and Spiritual Quotient…

Workout Routine

The best thing that I ever did for myself was start to work out. The reason I say this is because I gained so much more than fitness from working out. 

It boosted my immunity and I went from someone who caught colds and coughs every month to just once a year. A brilliant improvement!

I wasn’t lethargic anymore like I was in my 20s. [I would watch shows I didn’t want to because I didn’t have the remote close to me and I was too lazy to go pick it up]. Working out is a great mood booster. That endorphin release is the bomb. And yes, I lost weight and felt great.

I work out thrice a week for 45 minutes at home with a personal trainer. I have an 8 kg kettlebell, 5 kg dumbbells, and some resistance bands. That’s all you need. My trainer, Nagesh Parab knows I hate to do more than 10 reps of anything so he combines exercises and tricks me into doing more within the 10 reps, three or four exercises x five sets and we’re done. 

“Work smart. Not hard,” Nagesh tells me. “If you’re consistent, you’ll get results.” It doesn’t feel like torture so I’m happy to show up each time. I go for a brisk walk whenever I can (3/4 times a week). Physical exercise was associated with effort, strain, and pain when I started. I had to trick my mind to think of it as fun so I created a playlist of music that charged me up and I’d tell myself, “Just put the shoes on and enjoy the music. Come back in 15 minutes if you want to, but go.” Before I knew it, I’d have done an hour and felt very good about myself after. 

Change your mindset and working out will become a lifestyle. 

Eating Habits

I am a foodie. Sounds clichéd but it’s true. Anyone who knows me, knows I eat a lot and I eat everything. I have tried to drop carbs from my dinners in the past and it got me quick results but I could never sustain that somehow and always gained the weight back as quickly. I believe that when your body is under stress or deprivation of any kind, it starts acting out and clinging to the fat and goes into a spiral of trying to adjust to what it’s being put through. 

Portion control would be a better long-term solution than eliminating any food group. Lessen the carbs because it’s the least nutritious food group, but don’t eliminate it.

What I have found works for me is intermittent fasting. I try and eat by 7.30 pm most days (unless I’m going to a party) and my next meal is after 11.30 am. This helps my body get the break it needs to digest and process the food of the day and bring back the balance, before another meal. This will cure inflammation which is the cause of lots of health issues. (Each body is different and reacts differently so best to consult with a doctor or nutritionist first).

Another thing I’ve done is dropped sugar from my coffee but I’ll eat cake at a friend’s birthday or sometimes when I crave it at tea time. My approach is to make small changes in my daily habits and still live and enjoy life’s celebrations and fun treats. 

With this approach, I’m never hungry, upset, deprived, or guilty even if I’ve eaten some greasy sugary food. I just enjoy it. This guilt and pressure we put on ourselves create havoc on the system that is counterproductive to a healthy fit body. I have made some adjustments but none so difficult that it starts to bother me and affects my mind.

I have a great relationship with food now. 

Spiritual Quotient

I am easily stressed, and this is something I am working on. The way I see it: life is full of ups and downs, light and darkness, peaceful phases, and trying times. I believe the way we navigate these is key. I believe in balance. You have to lean into both. The good times, the highs, the relaxation, and the self-care allow you to refuel and recharge. 

When I spend time with a friend that I can be myself with, I find that it heals me and regulates my nervous system. When I read a book, watch a show or just get a massage, I am giving my mind a break from worry. I’m prioritizing myself. This keeps me physically and mentally healthy. 

When I face a problem that needs my time, energy, and attention, then I have the bandwidth and mind space to deal with it. The mind and body are connected. Each one is a reflection of the other. I like the airplane oxygen mask analogy…you must put the oxygen mask on yourself and then others. It sounds selfish but it’s the opposite. You help yourself so you are in a position to help others. If you crumble, you have done yourself a disservice and in turn, you have nothing to give the world. 

I try and live in the moment and fully immerse myself in it. I don’t run from hardship, but I certainly armour up with love to face it with peace. Another thing I have stopped is negative self-talk. I used to criticize my body for its imperfect parts. Now I don’t and I see a huge difference. 

Last but not the least is dog therapy: My oxytocin release. I play with my dog, Ziggy, strays, and friends’ dogs whenever I can. This instantly shifts my mental state for the better. It’s the best thing for my overall well-being. 

All Images Credit: Rozzlin, via email

Also Read: Kim Sharma shares her fitness regimen: Focus on your breath!

Aldo Read: When Dogs Lend That Healing Touch