Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, known for her vibrant energy and toned physique, has shared insights into her holistic wellness routine, emphasizing a balanced approach to diet and fitness, alongside a notable change in her morning beverage of choice. The star, who admits to “rolling out of bed probably by 7 am,” has consciously moved away from coffee, prioritizing hydration and mindful practices to kickstart her day. Her routine reflects a blend of discipline and self-care that has evolved over 17 years.
The Morning Ritual: Hydration Over Caffeine
Jacqueline Fernandez’s mornings begin around 7 am, although her alarm is set for 6:30 am. A key component of her revised routine is a strong emphasis on hydration. She now starts her day with a full liter of water infused with lemon, mint, and sea salt (or other mineral salts like pink Himalayan or Celtic salt). This electrolyte-rich drink is crucial for rehydration and breaking her intermittent fast, replacing her former morning coffee habit. She candidly shared, “I must admit I was such a coffee person in the morning because I would jump out of bed and rush to shoot and have coffee break on the way. But now, she has one litre of infused water.”
Prior to this, she also incorporates oil pulling using organic coconut oil as part of her “first things first” morning steps, which she sometimes does while making her bed to maximize time efficiency.
Jacqueline’s Fitness Philosophy: A Diverse and Consistent Approach
Fernandez’s fitness regimen is a testament to consistency and variety, integrating different forms of exercise to target various aspects of physical well-being. Consultant dietitian and fitness coach Garima Goyal has lauded her routine as “diverse, consistent, and balanced,” noting its holistic nature.
Embracing Yoga and Pilates
Yoga holds a special place in Jacqueline’s fitness journey, having started 17 years ago when she first moved to India. She credits yoga with completely transforming her, enhancing her mind, flexibility, mobility, strengthening, and toning, calling it “a Zen-like experience.” She typically incorporates yoga four times a week, sometimes supplementing it with Pilates. Balancing postures are particularly important to her for coordination, mental clarity, and focus.
Integrating Strength Training
In addition to flexibility and core work, Jacqueline dedicates three days a week to weight training, focusing on upper body, back, and lower body. She has expressed a conscious effort to prioritize weight training, particularly in recent times, to build lean muscle.
Beyond Structured Workouts
Her fitness routine also includes other activities to maintain stamina and overall health. She’s known to engage in cardio exercises, pole exercises, dancing, swimming, aerobics, gymnastics, and HIIT, indicating a multifaceted approach to staying active and challenging her body. Jacqueline believes that fitness should be enjoyable and natural, rather than stressful.
The Diet: Balanced, Nutrient-Rich, and Mindful
Jacqueline Fernandez adheres to a balanced and nourishing diet, avoiding fad diets in favor of fresh, seasonal, and nutrient-dense foods. Her approach focuses on providing her body with the fuel it needs for her active lifestyle.
Macronutrient Balance
She ensures her meals include a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vegetables. This structured intake helps support her overall health and sustained energy levels.
Meal Breakdown
- Breakfast: Her solid breakfast, usually consumed later in the morning after her hydration ritual, often includes fruits for natural sugars and carbs, and a form of eggs (boiled or scrambled). Other reported breakfast options include almond flour pancakes or a protein smoothie with almond milk, chia seeds, berries, and plant-based protein powder, sometimes accompanied by eggs and avocado toast.
- Lunch: She prefers a light and often vegan lunch, typically consisting of salads, brown rice, and lentils. Alternatively, it might include quinoa or brown rice with steamed vegetables, fish, or grilled chicken.
- Snacks: To maintain energy levels between meals, Jacqueline opts for healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, or hummus with veggie sticks. She also prepares homemade “Nutri balls” with nuts, seeds, and dry fruits.
- Dinner: Dinner is kept simple and easy to digest, with options such as fish and grilled vegetables for protein, or a bowl of soup or stir-fried vegetables.
Limiting Processed Foods and Sugar
Jacqueline consciously limits processed sugar and generally avoids processed and high-fat foods. However, she allows herself occasional indulgences like pizza, pasta, or chocolates without guilt, as long as she maintains her workout routine.
A Holistic Approach to Well-being
Beyond diet and exercise, Jacqueline Fernandez emphasizes other wellness habits. She prioritizes adequate sleep, aiming for 7-8 hours per night. Her routine also incorporates meditation and deep breathing exercises for mental clarity and stress reduction. She also enjoys hobbies like painting and reading, along with gratitude journaling, to maintain a positive attitude.
Jacqueline Fernandez’s comprehensive wellness routine underscores that sustained health and fitness are not about extreme measures but rather a balanced and consistent integration of mindful eating, diverse physical activity, and holistic self-care.
