Jawan actor Ridhi Dogra recently opened up about her “regular diet,” saying that it allows her the freedom to eat everything else when out. “I eat everything. I am a Punjabi. My favourite is chole bhature made by my mother. In my regular life, I only eat two types of foods; mine is fixed. One is moong dal khichdi, and the other is a protein shake smoothie. That’s why, when I go somewhere, I can eat everything,” Dogra, 40, told comedian Bharti Singh and her screenwriter-husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa on their YouTube podcast.
Dogra mentioned that her first meal, a smoothie, is at noon, and her last meal, a khichdi, is at 8 pm with a 16-hour intermittent fasting window.
She also gave away the recipe, which, according to her, is no less than a “dessert”. “My smoothie is like a dessert. It has coffee-flavoured whey protein, peanut butter, unsweetened cacao powder, and any fruit that is not thick, like mango, papaya, or strawberry. I put water, but many people prefer coconut water, regular milk, or almond milk. So, it becomes thick. Then you add muesli to it, which can also be made at home. Top it with pomegranates and blueberries, which are good for your skin,” Dogra added.
Do you have a smoothie in your diet? (Photo: Freepik)
She further expresses her love for the smoothie in detail: “I feel that I only wake up for it. I wait for noon to have it. I love it,” further stating that she consciously chooses ghee in her diet and opts for cold-pressed oils over refined oils.
But is such a diet plan healthy?
While khichdi and smoothies are nutritious, relying solely on them long-term may lead to nutrient gaps, said Dr Rajeshwari Panda, head of the dietetics department at Medicover Hospital, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. “A varied diet is essential to ensure you’re getting enough healthy fats, diverse proteins, and micronutrients. Balance and variety are key to sustainable, long-term health — even if simplicity feels convenient,” said Dr Panda.
The expert also said that there is over-simplification of “light” and “clean” eating. “The phrase ‘keeps my system light’ can be misleading. Feeling ‘light’ doesn’t always equal being healthy. A diet that’s too minimal or restrictive may lead to fatigue, hormonal imbalance, or slowed metabolism over time, especially for active individuals,” said Dr Panda.
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While khichdi and smoothies may be fine short-term or during a detox phase, relying on them daily could become nutritionally inadequate unless carefully planned and supplemented. “It may not provide enough calories, protein, or essential fats to support long-term health,” said Dr Panda.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
