Fitness expert Deanne Pandey, who is responsible for the models' svelte figures, is a tough taskmaster when it comes to keeping bodies healthy and toned.

On fad diets

Deanne-speak: I am against fad diets like the Atkin's diet, South Beach diet, etc. I believe they harm the body and don't work in the long run. Instead, I suggest a disciplined and structured diet to my clients. This consists of eating breakfast early in the morning and following it up with small healthy meals every couple of hours. A comprehensive workout alongside a healthy diet is very important.

Fitness regimes

Deanne-speak: For the career man or woman who has a very hectic schedule, working out or maintaining a fitness regime can be daunting. Strict time management is the only solution and this involves religiously following through on one's schedule. An ideal fitness regime should involve adequate cardio-vascular training along with free-weights and should be tailored to fit each person's age, body type, fitness level and medical history.

Fitness dos and don'ts

Deanne-speak: Fitness is a mental game. It is crucial to keep a positive mind during the process. Holding onto negative thoughts and beliefs is not going to get you far. In fact, my favourite fitness mantra is: 'What the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.' I've got this line printed onto the gym tee shirts of the contestants, to keep their spirits in top form.

Photograph: Jewella C Miranda
Deanne Pandey's photograph courtesy: Ford Supermodels Of The World