Arya reveals his morning super drink that boosts energy

South Indian superstar Arya doesn't compromise on his health and fitness even when he is super busy. The actor has always been a fitness icon, who is also an ardent cyclist. Although he tries various diets to slim down or bulk up for roles, he follows certain fitness rules to stay healthy, which he revealed in a recent interview. 

No to street food
Arya makes sure to completely avoid street food, although he enjoys eating out at his favourite restaurants. He, however, confesses that he used to eat street food. Arya only has a tea and a biscuit if he visits a tea shop. The actor says he never feels the urge to chomp down on unhealthy food, even when his friends tell him about delicious bonda or kothu porotta available at certain eateries. Moreover, Arya prefers having healthy food freshly cooked in clean conditions.  

"I choose dry items like roti or kebabs whenever I am shooting abroad. The crew members often go out to explore the food there. But I ask my assistant to cook my meals. Besides, I get worried whether the shooting would get stalled if I get sick," says Arya.

Regular diet                                       
Arya starts his day with a drink made by mixing salt, turmeric powder and lemon juice in warm water. Some people may add a drizzle of honey or some coconut oil to it. Having such drinks instead of tea or coffee is better for gut health. Arya strictly includes eggs in his breakfast every day. " I can't completely avoid rice. However, I limit the portion to just 150-200 grams of rice. We can eat whatever we want, but limiting the portion is key," the actor notes.

Early dinner
Arya makes sure to eat his dinner by 6 - 7 pm. Now, he only eats breakfast and lunch as part of his weight loss journey. He finishes his lunch by 2.30 pm and then eats breakfast the next morning only after completing his workout.  The actor follows an intermittent fasting method, where he fasts for 8-16 hours. However, he says he can get good sleep by following this method. Arya cautions against stress eating when people snack on sugary treats and high-fat food to stimulate their happy hormones. 

Recovery
"There is a common saying that you get good sleep when you eat more. But this is not true. I get good quality sleep even if I eat less. Your body recovers during sleep. It would take more time for digestion if you eat too much food at night," Arya says.

Arya's morning drink: What experts say
For hundreds of years, turmeric has been used for cooking in India and China. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine dietitian Mary-Eve Brown, turmeric tea can be quite nourishing. The tea can be made with two tablespoons of chopped turmeric root or a teaspoon of turmeric powder. All one has to do is boil them in one or two cups of water, simmer for five minutes, strain, add lemon, honey and have it. According to the renowned health portal 'Verywell Health,' the drink can also add antioxidants to our morning routine, reduce inflammation, support our digestion and boost immunity.