Raghu Ramappa: Keeping true to your diet

Actor Raghu Ramappa, whom you’ve seen in the film, Just Pass and reality show, Pyaaté Mandi Kaadigé Bandru fame is grabbing quite a few eyeballs these days all thanks to his newly achieved hot bod. “I will be sporting a chiselled and lean body in one of my upcoming Kannada films. The flick requires me to perform some stunts and be part of quite a few chase sequences and thus I wanted to look fit before shooting for it,” says Raghu. Starting February, the actor underwent a 12- week transformation programme to get into shape.

“It was an intense programme that combined a stringent diet and regular workout sessions. At the end of it, I had shed 11 kgs (From 82 to 71 kgs). Initially I found it difficult to cope with it as I had to stay away from chocolates. But later I found whey proteins that came in chocolate flavour that worked as a healthy replacement,” says Raghu. In fact, protein intake is a crucial part of his fitness regime we find out.

“Protein and complex carbs such as red rice, oats and ragi dominate my food chart. In the mornings, I eat oats and egg whites. I eat chapatti and fish or chicken for lunch and for dinner I have boiled vegetables or vegetable salad. If I am very hungry then I have chapattis. I drink green tea and eat oat biscuits before workouts and post the sessions, I drink a whey protein shake. And if I feel hungry in between meals, I eat ragi or oat biscuits,” says Raghu.

But are supplements like whey proteins safe, we wonder like most fitness enthusiasts do. Like an expert, Raghu gives an educated response, “Whey proteins are recommended by doctors also. And I do wish to stress that there is a big difference between drugs and supplements. Having said that, I do stress on the need to be well informed about any kind of diet or exercise — I, too often read up and consult experts before starting a new diet regime or a workout programme.”

“That my father is an accomplished body builder comes as an added advantage,” adds Raghu.

The actor goes on to dismiss one more myth. “Many feel weight training is harmful. But if anything, it increases muscle endurance and improves one’s concentration power. It’s OK for women also to lift weights. As for me, my workout session includes weights, cardio, running and swimming and it extends for a little more than an hour every day,” the actor adds.

The actor shares another of his basic fitness mantras before ending the conversation. “I have six to seven meals a day and have one every three hours as too long a gap between meals could lead to increase in sugar levels. And when it comes to the last meal of the day, I have it two hours before I sleep. I also stay away from carbs at night as our metabolism rate is slower then. Anyone would do good to follow this regime. As for workouts, make sure you have certified trainers to guide you. Lastly, patience and positivism matter a lot and of course — never cheat yourself when it comes to exercise or diet!” Raghu concludes.