The journey of a global icon like Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021, often sparks immense curiosity about the regimens that contribute to her radiant beauty and impressive physique. After facing public scrutiny for weight fluctuations, Sandhu has openly shared insights into her disciplined approach to health and wellness, revealing practical tips that anyone can incorporate into their daily lives. Her holistic philosophy emphasizes not just external beauty but also internal well-being, with a focus on hydration, mindful eating, and consistent physical activity.
The Morning Elixir: Water with a Pinch of Salt
One of Harnaaz Sandhu’s distinctive daily habits to kickstart her day is drinking plenty of water with a pinch of salt. This simple yet effective practice is gaining traction in wellness circles for its potential benefits. Starting the day with saltwater is believed to enhance hydration more effectively than plain water.
Benefits of Saltwater for Hydration and Digestion
Adding a pinch of high-quality natural salt (like Himalayan pink salt or sea salt) to water provides essential trace minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are crucial electrolytes for the body’s functions. These electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, ensuring proper nerve and muscle function, and aiding the body’s water absorption, especially after a night’s sleep when dehydration can occur.
Furthermore, drinking saltwater in the morning can stimulate the stomach to produce more digestive juices, including hydrochloric acid, thereby aiding digestion and enhancing nutrient absorption. It may also act as a natural detoxifier, helping to cleanse the digestive system and promote bowel movements. Some experts also suggest that this morning ritual can boost energy levels, improve mood and mental clarity, and support overall electrolyte balance.
Navigating Celiac Disease: Harnaaz’s Dietary Discipline
Harnaaz Sandhu’s wellness journey has been particularly challenging due to her diagnosis of celiac disease, an autoimmune condition where the small intestine reacts negatively to gluten. This condition can cause significant weight fluctuations and has been a key factor in her dietary choices.
The Gluten-Free Imperative
To manage her celiac disease and maintain her health, Harnaaz has committed to a strict gluten-free diet, avoiding wheat, barley, rye, and related products. She prioritizes “clean eating,” incorporating plenty of vegetable and fruit salads into her daily meals and generally avoiding sugary, refined, junk, and oily foods. Despite being a self-proclaimed foodie, she emphasizes balanced and healthy home-cooked Punjabi meals.
Harnaaz has also shared her love for cooking healthy, gluten-free alternatives, such as almond berry halwa with saffron puri. This highlights her proactive approach to managing her diet and finding nutritious, enjoyable alternatives.
Fitness Philosophy: A Blend of Strength and Serenity
Beyond diet, Harnaaz Sandhu maintains a rigorous fitness routine that combines various forms of exercise, contributing to her toned physique.
Embracing Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation hold a special place in Sandhu’s routine, helping her connect with her surroundings and promoting flexibility and muscle toning. She dedicates half an hour to an hour daily to these practices.
Dynamic Workouts: Cardio, Strength, and Pilates
Her gym regimen typically includes cardio sessions, such as running on the treadmill, and strength training through circuit routines. More recently, Pilates has emerged as a “game-changer” in her weight loss transformation. Pilates, known for its focus on controlled movements, breathing techniques, and core strength, contributes to a leaner and more toned body, improves posture, and reduces injury risk. She incorporates reformer machines and sliding discs into her Pilates workouts. Additionally, Harnaaz enjoys swimming, viewing it as a way to relax and rejuvenate.
Skincare Staples: Simple Steps for a Radiant Glow
Harnaaz also emphasizes a simple yet effective skincare routine for her radiant glow, particularly given her dry and sensitive skin type.
Hydration and Protection
Her four-step routine includes applying cleansing milk for hydration, followed by a balancing toner to moisturize and soften the skin. An active moisturizer helps regulate extreme oiliness or dryness. Crucially, sunscreen is a non-negotiable step to protect her skin from the sun and pollution, which she applies before stepping out. Another unique beauty tip she shared is icing her skin before makeup, which she considers a “game-changer” for achieving that radiant glow.
In essence, Harnaaz Sandhu’s beauty and weight loss secrets are rooted in a disciplined and holistic lifestyle. From starting her day with a hydrating saltwater drink to meticulously managing her diet due to celiac disease and engaging in a diverse fitness regimen, her approach underscores the importance of consistency and self-care in achieving overall well-being.
