Sangram Singh talks about his diet and workout

Sangram Singh recently won the Commonwealth wrestling title and is getting ready for his first professional wrestling bout to be held in India. The revenue generated from the match will be donated for the welfare of the cancer patients. In an exclusive interview with him, we spoke about his training routine, diet and his mantra for fitness.
A lot of people don't know that you suffered from arthritis in your childhood, how has the journey been from there to being one of India's most successful wrestlers?
I was very weak in my childhood and arthritis took a toll on me.But my parents did everything in their might to help me recover. Slowly, I started recovering from the illness and I made a pact with myself that I would not let my past dwell on my future. I worked out putting everything I had and God blessed me with everything I have today.
Diet plays a major role in recovering, were you put on any diet by the doctors or fitness experts?
The only specialized diet that I follow is home cooked food. It is clear for me, daliya (porridge) in the morning and khichdi (a mixture of pulses and rice) in the evening. Afternoons I eat whatever comes my way. The only thing I make sure is that food is not too oily or too fatty.
Wrestlers, bodybuilders depend a lot on proteins, is there a protein source that you also rely upon?
I have never calculated the amount of protein or carbohydrates that I need to consume. Thoda khao jada kaam karo (eat less work more) is all I know. Home made desi ghee is something I swear by.
But there's is a lot of hype that ghee makes one fat and unhealthy?
Aap jitna khate han usse jada workout karein (Whatever you eat, make sure you are working out more than that). If the food is home cooked, I do not mind eating whatever it is, except non vegetarian. I am a vegetarian and eat everything cooked at home.
What about international tours and hotel stays? How do you manage your diet then?
I tell the cooks what I want to eat and if I am in a place where they don't know how to prepare khichdi, I don't mind stepping into the kitchen myself. Every man must know how to cook, this is the first thing that we are taught back home.

Tell us about the way you workout?
I am not a gym goer and mostly depend on body weight exercises. All I require is a six by six feet area to workout. You give me that and I will work my whole body. I believe in being my own coach. Nobody apart from you can tell you which exercise works best on you.
What is your focus on, body sculpting or strength gaining?
Muscles can be built over a short span of time, I exercise for strength and fitness. I concentrate on developing a stronger core. Additionally, I am not a model but a wrestler and need strength more than anything else.
Any advice for aspiring wrestlers and body builders?
I suggest workout with body weight the most. When working out with weights, make sure you use them as your friends. Don't over train or use excess weight. Eat home cooked foods and stretch a lot. Stretching helps muscles in a lot of ways. Believe in yourself and the almighty for whatever goals you set.
In the middle of the conversation, I asked him whether he would like to have a cup of coffee or tea to which he replied "Do I look ill to you?"
(Photo and video credit: Akshay Kumar)