Manoj Bohra aka Prem of Kasautii Zindagi Kay lets Chikita Kukreja in on his diet mantra in an one - to - one chat. In spite of working excruciatingly long number of hours on the sets, this handsome hunk vigorously tries to keep up his fitness levels.

"Trends are just a passing phase.."

Being trendy obviously counts a lot nowadays. But what's more important to you - staying fit or trendy?
It's most important to stay fit. Trends will come and go, but one needs to have the health to adopt that trend.

What do trends mean to you?
Trends are just a passing phase. It's something which is very much for the moment.

What's your take on fitness?
I have to work out. And then, I have NO JUNK at all. And I guess this is what keeps me fit.

Which is your favourite work out place?
I work out at Sykz in Andheri.

How many times in a week do you manage to work out rigorously?
I manage to go to the gym at least four times a week but I meditate every day. In fact, I meditate regularly. It helps me build my concentration to a very great extent. It is an essential item on my 'to do' list. It helps in revitalizing myself and gearing up for further challenges in life.

What do you prefer - cardio or weight exercises?
I do a combination of both, cardio as well as weight exercises. I love working on my triceps. Cardio helps me reduce my body's fat level and doing weights helps me to a very great extent.

Are you the type who diets religiously?
Yes, after being a vegetarian, a non- smoker and a non- drinker, I am also diet conscious. I not only avoid junk food, it's a strict no-no for me.

"No junk food for me!"

Does your work hamper your health?
We have crazy working hours and therefore at times, I can't manage to reach my gym in time, but as far as I am concerned, I carry two weights with me in my car and whenever I get time between my shooting schedules, I work out there. There are times when I do my push ups and skip for a while on the sets.

Do you get enough time to have wholesome meals and how many times in a day does this happen?
I eat every two hours. So that makes it four to five times a day. Whenever I happen to have a shoot in the early hours of the day, as soon as I reach the sets, I have some scrambled eggs with a sandwich along with a protein shake. Then, after two hours, I have some juices. In my lunch, I have wholesome food which starts with eggs again. Being a vegetarian, I need to have a lot of protein in take. I have my dinner pretty early, at around 8 pm.

Which are your favorite foods and fruits?
I like any and everything. But yes, everything does not include any rubbish or junk.