Having a 21-inch waist is not impossible; ask model and burlesque performer Dita Von Teese, who's famous for her erotic dance performances, besides her tiny waistline. Maybe she was inspired by Scarlett O'Hara, the lead character in the novel Gone with the Wind, who had a 19-inch waistline!
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But looking good could come at the price of some crazy get-thin schemes, often at the cost of one's health. Fitness expert Leena Mogre who has been in the fitness industry for the last 20 years, and has trained Madhuri Dixit, John Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Zaheer Khan among other celebrities, tips us off. Leena also runs her own gymnasiums in Mumbai and Bangalore.
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"The size of your waistline depends on your body structure. If you have a broad bone structure, then striving to get a tiny waist is unrealistic. You can work out, exercise and tone your body with a realistic target depending on your structure," says Leena.
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Does this mean that 21-inch waists are unattainable? "If you are naturally small (hips 32 inches), only then is a 21-inch waist, possible. There are no spot exercises or quick-fixes that target your waist. Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy waist," Leena continues.
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Cathie Jung, a 70-year old grandmother living in the US, has a 15-inch waist! This ridiculously small waist size got her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the person with the thinnest waist. How does Cathie maintain a 15-inch waist? By living in life-squeezing corsets, 24/7! According to the official Guinness web site, Cathie takes off her corsets only when she showers. She does everything in those corsets, including sleep! Cathie started living in her corsets at the age of 45.
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Some may envy this waistline but is it healthy to live in a corset? "Forcing one's waist to get so thin is unhealthy. Those corsets will affect blood circulation, increase pressure on your back and will alter your waist-hip ratio. You may get headaches and it also alters with your heart pumping blood. Since your back is bound to get affected, your posture, too, will take a beating," says Leena.
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Leena recommends an exercise routine, to help keep fit and healthy.
Cardio workouts for 20 minutes, three times a week, will do wonders for your stamina, heart and waistline. "In my opinion running is best form of a cardio workout; besides doing wonders for your heart, it strengthens your legs and you lose weight, too," says Leena.
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Weight training
for 30 minutes, twice a week, will build stamina, tone your body and increase your metabolism. While training, share your targets with your trainer. If you want a slimmer waist, mention this. He or she will then recommend exercises, depending on your goal.
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Stretching exercises after your workout helps slim your waistline. Your muscles are flexible and stretching is more effective. "Exercising and diet, work together. An ideal diet will have a moderate amount of proteins and carbohydrates, and is low on fat (though your body
needs a certain amount of fat)," concludes Leena.
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So, what's the ideal diet for you? Sushila Sharangdhar, a consultant dietician in Mumbai, tips us off. She is the official nutritionist for ICICI Bank, Indian Oil and Marico Industries, among many others. "Starving oneself to achieve unrealistic weight targets is harmful. Overall health and fitness is a combination of eating healthy and exercising," says Sushila.
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The must-eats
"A balanced diet includes proteins, calcium, vitamins, carbohydrates and a small amount of fat, too. Your body needs all food groups in different amounts; this depends on your age, weight, height and gender," says Sushila.
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"Follow the rainbow diet and you will be safe," she says. What's that? The rainbow diet covers all colourful fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, plums, grapes, brinjal, tomatoes, cucumbers and spinach among the other fruits and veggies.
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You should have six mini-meals, daily because this will keep your digestive system working, continuously. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A bowl of cereals with milk and fruit is wholesome and healthy. You can also have toasted brown bread. Eat eggs just twice a week.
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Have a mid-morning mini-meal of fruits before your lunch. Here are some good options: watermelons (50 calories per 100 gm), apples, pineapples, oranges, sweet limes, papayas (50-60 calories per 100 gm) and grapes (75 calories per 100 gm). All these are water-based fruits.
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Lunch should comprise a whole meal of sprouts, some lentil(dal), a vegetable, a serving of rice and chapattis. Meat eaters can include a serving of chicken or fish.
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Have biscuits (four wholewheat or diet variety), fruits (apples, oranges, pineapples) and dry fruits for your mid evening mini-meal.
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Have a light dinner; soup, a serving of chicken or fish, if vegetarian have two servings of vegetables and a bowl of lentils (dal).
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Your after dinner meal can be a glass of milk and six almonds.
Note: This is a general food plan and does not apply to everyone. Your meal plans will change depending on your age, height and weight.
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Dita in the act!
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