His fitness routine can put anyone to shame and his penchant for ice cream and baked goodies can make your jaws drop in surprise
At 21 he was part of the World Cup winning team. He felt invincible. He possessed a winner’s technical precision. The rest didn’t matter. Including a deliberate fitness regimen. That’s where Robin Uthappa faltered. He became a victim of a series of failures with the willow and worst — battle of bulge. At 26, his weight ballooned to 96 kilos. The fall from grace — from a swashbuckling Indian batsman to a domestic cricketer — was instant. But Uthappa had much to offer. Understandably, the downward slide was hard to handle — he became moody and impatient.
But after an intervention Uthappa got onto the straight and narrow. “I became aware of the importance of a nutritionist in my career and the need to battle my issues with weight. It’s been three years hence and I have followed a constant routine with utmost discipline,” he says.
Hard work pays. Uthappa has found his mojo again —cracked many a tons, lifted the desirable Ranji Trophy (his childhood dream), scored highest runs in the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders and is in top form ahead of the knockout stage this Ranji season. He shares his secrets and daily routine which has helped him fall in love with the game all over again.
Meal plan
Breakfast: I have fruits for breakfast — mostly a combo of pineapples and papayas and sometimes only water melons. If I am still hungry after a bowl of fruits then I make myself an omelette. I also have a mug of black coffee without sugar.
Snack: At about 11 am, I have a handful of dry fruits and in the evening at about 5 or 5:30 pm I have fresh fruit juice, dry fruits with a multigrain sandwich.
Lunch: Between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm I eat fresh veggie salad. I get my protein fix through chicken, fish or beef and carbs through chapatis, rice or pasta (Olio pasta tossed in olive oil, without any sauce).
Dinner: It is usually at 7.30 pm and consists of veggies again, chicken/fish and my favourite arugula, which is rich in iron. In case I feel hungry later in the night, then I have a bowl of curds or carrots and cucumber.
Cheat meal
Once a week I eat what I am craving for at that moment — it could be pizzas, biryani or hot chocolate fudge.
Pantry Secret
At times, I bake my own version of healthy brownie (with not much sugar) and binge on it.
Guilty pleasures
Ice creams and chocolates. I also absolutely love Joy ice cream’s mango and raspberry flavour ice candy. Every time I play in Mysore, I ensure I have Joy ice cream since their factory is there. If I am struck by an ice-cream craving when in Mumbai (or any other place) I hold on to it till I reach Bengaluru. Once I am here, I head to Corner House to have my favourite ice cream — brownie fudge or the classic hot chocolate fudge.
Skin splurges
I go to the spa regularly and get clean-ups and facials done. Since we play a lot in the sun, I face a massive challenge dealing with sun tan/ sun burn. I alternate between two sun protection creams, La Shield and Lotus sun protection, everyday.
Tricks of the trade
Small meals every couple of hours. That’s been my mantra for the past three years. This helps me sustain good metabolism. I also get a blood test done every six months to see where I stand in terms of physical fitness.
De-stress strategies
I watch movies, read non-fiction books or listen to music. If this doesn’t help in distressing, then I go on long drives in the middle of the night. When I am in Mumbai I drive my BMW and if I am in Bengaluru then I borrow or steal my friend Sheetal Goutham’s Honda Amaze.
In the fridge
You will find fresh fruits, cold water and milk at all times.
Advice
Stay healthy, train right and eat right. If you are already doing this then please credit yourself with a cheat meal once every week.
Down time
Off late it’s been baking!
Secret weapon
My discipline.
Drink menu
I have protein shakes before and after each of my training schedule. I also have something called the Casein at night which helps in slow-releasing of proteins and recovery of muscles from wear and tear through the night.
Fitness
I train two hours, five days a week, focusing on endurance and speed since my game demands it. In the last few years, I have cultivated a routine which I follow before warming up or batting in the nets. These are technique-related drills which are very important for me and works for me. Nothing in the world can stop me from following this routine.
source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Columns> You / by Nandini Kumar, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / February 15th, 2015
