For many, the path to fitness seems paved with grueling gym hours and restrictive diets. However, popular South Indian actress Keerthy Suresh's personal health journey offers a refreshing and relatable alternative, proving that sustainable wellness often lies in simplicity and listening to one's own body.
The Initial Misstep: Over-Reliance on Cardio
Keerthy Suresh's foray into fitness wasn't marked by immediate success. Around 2018-19, she embarked on a rapid weight loss plan that initially seemed effective but later revealed its flaws. The 'Mahanati' star, who was naturally slender in her youth and rarely exercised before turning 18, decided to tackle fitness head-on with intense cardio sessions.
"I did a lot of cardio, and what happened is I lost a lot of muscle, and I became really thin," Keerthy revealed in a past interview. The result was a loss of approximately 9 kilograms. While the scale showed a lower number, the approach backfired, leading to significant muscle loss and a frail physique. This experience led her to the incorrect conclusion that gym workouts might not be suitable for her body type.
No Extreme Diets: A Love for Home-Cooked Food
Contrary to popular celebrity trends, Keerthy Suresh has never subscribed to extreme dietary regimes. A self-proclaimed South Indian food lover, she enjoys authentic and flavourful meals prepared at home. Her dietary philosophy is strikingly simple and devoid of deprivation.
"I've never done any diet till date, I've not done keto, I've not done any diet. It's only high-protein and low-carb, and I eat what I want," she explained. Her daily intake focuses on whole food protein sources like six to seven egg whites, paneer, tofu, soya, and pulses, notably avoiding commercial protein shakes. She firmly believes in not fearing food and satisfying her cravings in moderation, a mindset she credits for her current healthy state.
Finding the Right Balance: Yoga and Strength Training
The turning point in Keerthy's fitness journey came when she sought a sustainable and healthy method to rebuild her strength. The answer was not more cardio, but a combination of mindful movement and structured resistance work.
She discovered yoga during the pandemic, which made her feel "much better" and became a cornerstone of her routine. Recognizing the need for muscle building, she later incorporated strength training over the last two years. This shift from purely weight-loss-focused cardio to a balanced regimen of yoga and strength exercises helped her build a healthier, more resilient body.
Keerthy Suresh's story underscores a crucial fitness principle: there is no universal cheat code. A successful regimen depends on individual factors like age, health, body type, and lifestyle. Her experience champions a sustainable routine over quick fixes, emphasizing that fitness is a lifelong marathon, not a sprint.
On the work front, fans can next see Keerthy Suresh in the upcoming film 'Thottam', where she plays the lead role alongside actor Antony Varghese Pepe. The film is written and directed by Rishi Sivakumar. Personally, the actress celebrated her first wedding anniversary with husband Antony Thattil in December.
