Ashhar Alam

Plant-based diets are gaining popularity among celebrities, health enthusiasts, and wellness advocates and Bhumi Pednekar is no exception. The actress embraced a vegetarian lifestyle in 2020, citing moral reasons after adopting a puppy.

Speaking to Soha Ali Khan on her podcast All About Her, Bhumi candidly shared the challenges she faced in the early days of her meat-free journey. “The first year was really tough. I gained a lot of weight because I didn’t know how to balance my meals,” she admitted.

“I was consuming too much cottage cheese, and everything felt chaotic. Eventually, I learned how to structure my meals and manage protein intake. At one point, I was getting 120 grams of protein a day, which wasn’t working for me. Now, I aim for around 60 grams, which suits my body better.”

Bhumi also revealed her go-to vegetarian protein sources, saying, “I take a protein shake when needed, especially while working out. I rely on cottage cheese, broccoli, a little soy, and chia seeds, though too much soy aggravates me.”

The actress also opened up about living with eczema, a condition she developed while filming the 2019 comedy-drama Bala. “My right side was completely swollen, and it wouldn’t stop.

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That eventually led to allergic rhinitis, and later, pre-state psoriasis and eczema. Stress usually triggers it, and it’s a genetic condition,” she explained.

Despite the challenges, Bhumi’s journey reflects her commitment to sustainable living and mindful eating, inspiring many to rethink their approach to diet and wellness.