Gautam Rode on his diet, exercise and why he always said no to steroids.
Gautam Rode, better known today as Saraswatichandra, is one of the most athletic actors. And while guys with beefy abs usually eat a diet of eggs and boiled chicken, Gautam is a pure vegetarian. The actor’s friends often refer to him as an aspiring nutritionist because of the number of people who turn to him for help with diet and exercise. “For me, fitness is all about the right habits and the right attitude,” he says. Below are excerpts from a conversation with the actor.
About diet
I really don’t see the need for non-vegetarian products for the cool abs. My diet includes healthy homemade food and homemade protein shakes. I try to balance carbs and protein with brown rice, oats, muesli, and low-sugar fruits like apples, pears, oranges, and strawberries.
I use dal, soybeans, tofu, and soy milk as my protein source. I also try to eat more green vegetables and drink at least 6-8 cups of decaffeinated green tea. I don’t drink at all. In fact, I have never tried alcohol. I don’t need alcohol to get high, this high gives me a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes I give myself some relief, but this is rare, and I quickly return to the rut.
About sport
Sometimes I shoot for 12-14 hours a day, so I can only do sports before or after shooting. I feel like the day is incomplete if I haven’t worked out, and that includes everything from ab exercises to weight lifting. I don’t believe in easy ways in life, which is why I’ve always been against steroids. I know a lot of people who have tried this, but it usually backfires in the long run.
People think that the only way to get a good muscular body is with steroids. But I want to tell them that the natural way is quite feasible, and anyone who is diligent enough and has the willpower can do it. And, finally, this applies not only to the press or a slender body, it concerns the general condition and health of a person.