Banita Sandhu Shares Her Holistic Wellness Secrets: From Quitting Coffee to Embracing Strength Training
In an exclusive and candid conversation, actress Banita Sandhu, known for her roles in October and Bridgerton, delves deep into her personal wellness journey, revealing how small lifestyle changes have made a significant impact on her health. Settled back in Mumbai, Sandhu appears grounded and radiant as she discusses everything from her morning rituals to her upcoming projects.
Morning Rituals: Journaling and Desi Concoctions
Sandhu's morning routine has recently evolved with her participation in The Artist's Way course by Julia Cameron. "As soon as I wake up, I brush my teeth, and then I go back to bed to write my three 'morning pages'," she shares excitedly. This journaling practice helps her clear her mind and set intentions for the day.
Following this, she indulges in a traditional hot water drink infused with turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and honey. "It's full-on desi, but it's the best thing for your immunity and skin," Sandhu emphasizes. After about an hour, she enjoys a French omelette for breakfast, balancing her meals for sustained energy.
Fitness Evolution: From Cardio to Strength Training
Reflecting on her fitness journey, Sandhu admits she was once a "cardio girl" but has since shifted focus. "My dad had been telling me to strength train for years, and now I'm finally listening," she says with a laugh. Currently, she engages in strength training sessions four times a week with a trainer and practices yoga twice a week.
She also highlights the importance of walking, especially during her travels to Europe or the US, though she notes the challenges of finding walk-friendly spaces in India. "I just wish Indian roads were more walk-friendly," Sandhu remarks, adding that she compensates with gym sessions and occasional walks in Mumbai's parks.
Wellness Wisdom: Listening to Your Body Cycle
A key aspect of Sandhu's fitness philosophy is tuning into her body's natural rhythms. "How we live our lives depends so much on what week of our cycle we are in," she explains. She adjusts her protein intake and activities based on her menstrual cycle, emphasizing that "neuroplasticity is higher before your period, so it's a good time to teach yourself something new."
Hydration plays a crucial role in her routine, with daily electrolyte intake to combat water retention and bloating. "Drinking water alone is not enough to hydrate you," Sandhu notes, crediting electrolytes for improved skin, energy, and mental clarity.
Diet and Indulgences: Balance Over Deprivation
Sandhu firmly rejects strict diets, advocating for balance instead. "I don't believe in diets. I have always grown up with my parents telling me balance is everything," she states. As a Punjabi with a sweet tooth, she enjoys treats like strawberries with melted chocolate but opts for natural sweeteners like jaggery or stevia to avoid sugar crashes.
One major change she made was cutting out coffee after a meditation course recommended avoiding caffeine. "I don't drink coffee anymore at all, and it has helped my nervous system so much," Sandhu reveals. She now prefers occasional hot matcha, finding it a gentler alternative that doesn't trigger anxiety.
Skincare and Style: Simplicity and Comfort
For skincare, Sandhu keeps it simple, focusing on internal health through nutrition and hydration. "A lot of your skincare comes from what you ingest," she believes. On days off, she avoids makeup to let her skin breathe, and always removes it before sleep.
In terms of fashion, comfort is paramount. "If you meet me in daily life, you'd find me in linen pants, Chuck Taylors, and chill clothing," she admits, though she enjoys dressing up for special occasions. Her handbag essentials include lip balm, sunglasses, hand sanitiser, and electrolytes, all packed neatly into small bags.
Career Insights: From Bridgerton to Mother Teresa
Sandhu fondly recalls her experience on the Netflix series Bridgerton, describing it as "like going to school again and seeing all your classmates." The camaraderie among the cast made long shoots enjoyable, with impromptu dances between takes adding to the fun.
Her Hindi diction has improved significantly since moving to India, thanks to daily tutoring and immersion in the language. "I am literally just watching and listening as much as I can," she says, highlighting her passion for learning languages.
Looking ahead, Sandhu is excited about her upcoming film Mother Teresa, set for an OTT release. "We made it with a lot of heart and compassion," she shares, noting that all proceeds will go to charities for women and children in India. In the film, she plays Kavita, a modern woman whose journey parallels Mother Teresa's story, exploring themes of faith and self-discovery.
Rapid-Fire Round: Quick Glimpses into Her Life
- Guilty pleasure: Strawberries with chocolate
- Current playlist obsession: Dave's new song Raindance
- Beach or mountains: Beach, any day
- Makeup must-have: Lip liner and lip balm
- Morning person or night owl: Transitioned from night owl to morning person
- Gut health routine: Ayurvedic medicines and dietary adjustments
- Message to younger self: "Life is a lot simpler than you think. Don't overcomplicate."
Banita Sandhu's journey underscores the power of mindful choices, from eliminating coffee to embracing body-aware fitness, offering inspiration for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
