At 65 years old, actor Nagarjuna Akkineni maintains a remarkably youthful and fit physique, a testament to his disciplined lifestyle. His enduring fitness is largely attributed to a consistent diet and exercise routine that he has reportedly followed for the past 30 to 35 years.
A Disciplined Approach to Diet
Nagarjuna adheres to a meticulously planned and clean eating regimen, emphasizing nutrient-rich foods and mindful consumption. His dietary principles include:
Early and Mindful Dinners
A cornerstone of his diet is finishing dinner by 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM at the latest. This practice, he believes, sets his diet and lifestyle on the right track, aiding digestion and overall well-being.
Intermittent Fasting
Nagarjuna regularly practices intermittent fasting, typically following a 12:12 method, where he eats during a 12-hour window and fasts for the subsequent 12 hours. He often extends this fasting period to 14 hours daily, from evening until the next morning. This method is believed to support fat burning and improve digestion.
Probiotic-Rich Mornings
To kickstart his metabolism and support gut health, Nagarjuna begins his day with natural probiotics such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and fermented cabbage, followed by warm water and coffee.
Adaptable and Balanced Meals
While he maintains a consistent routine, Nagarjuna acknowledges that his diet has evolved over the years to adapt to his body’s changing needs. He focuses on a light breakfast, a moderate lunch, and a lighter dinner, ensuring a balanced intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. He also notes that many Indians develop dairy and gluten intolerances with age, and eliminating these can resolve many health issues.
Strategic Cheat Days
Despite his strict regimen, Nagarjuna allows for a weekly cheat day, usually on Sundays. This enables him to enjoy favorite foods like Hyderabadi biryani and chocolates without guilt, a practice he believes helps maintain motivation.
A Consistent and Intense Fitness Routine
Nagarjuna’s fitness routine is characterized by its intensity and regularity, spanning over three decades.
Dedicated Workouts
He dedicates 45 minutes to an hour each morning, 5 to 6 days a week, to intense workouts. He prioritizes his physical activity, stating he would “rather not work than not exercise.”
Mix of Cardio and Strength Training
His regimen combines cardio and strength training, a blend he has maintained consistently for 30 to 35 years.
Maintaining High Heart Rate
A key principle he follows, taught by his trainer, is to keep his heart rate above 70% of its maximum during workouts. He avoids prolonged breaks, sitting down, or using phones during exercise to ensure continuous intensity and a high metabolic rate.
Active Lifestyle Beyond the Gym
Beyond structured gym sessions, Nagarjuna stays active throughout the day. If he skips the gym, he compensates with activities like walking or swimming.
Emphasis on Holistic Well-being
He strongly advocates for the importance of adequate sleep and hydration, viewing them as crucial components of his overall fitness regimen for effective recovery and health maintenance.
Nagarjuna’s remarkable physical condition at 65 is a testament to his unwavering dedication, discipline, and consistent adherence to a well-structured diet and fitness routine over several decades.
