South actor Jyotika’s fitness regimen is not for the faint-hearted. Pulling off the kind of high-intensity plyometric workouts that would make those in their 20s raise their eyebrows, the actor, at 46, is easily an inspiration to women across the globe. “Though I felt great and knew I was fit, I wanted to lose about 10 kilos, and wasn’t able to. Regardless of the diet I followed, I was able to shed only two kilos, which I would gain again if I ate even one meal [that wasn’t made at home]. It’s also due to how one’s metabolism [is affected] after they turn 40,” says Jyotika, who heard about a holistic approach from actor Vidya Balan’s interviews.

Jyotika, who lost nine kilos within three months, says the journey laid emphasis on gut health and began with a food-elimination process. “[They’d add] one food each day to the diet and see how the body would react. If certain food would make you feel bloated, [they’d eliminate it]. Interestingly, certain foods that are considered ‘fattening’ weren’t leading to weight gain for me. But I was surprised to know that sweet potato doesn’t suit me. So, the programme is created based on how your gut reacts.”