One might think Alia Bhatt’s diet consists of fancy salads and imported wellness foods, but the Jigra actor revealed that she likes to embrace her desi roots and stick to simple, traditional Indian meals to maintain her weight. Bhatt turned vegan a few years ago, and during an old interview on popular television show Aap Ki Aadalat, she detailed the key components of her diet that do not involve sugar, and sticking to healthy grains and pulses to meet nutritional needs.
“Main true Indian hoon, ekdum desi. Mujhe ye salad walad nahi jamta hai. Mujhe daal chawal chahiye, sabzi chahiye. Aur roti mein main kabhi ragi roti khaun, jawar khaun, matlab mere options badalte rehte hai. Main sugar bilkul touch nahi karti. (I am a true Indian, very desi. I don’t like eating salads, and instead prefer rice and daal along with vegetables. If I have roti, I go for ragi roti or those made from jawar. My options keep changing. I do not touch sugar at all),” she told the host of the show.
Daal-chawal
Ipsita Chakraborty, senior nutritionist at Hungry Koala, told indianexpress.com how selecting the best dal-chawal pairings can help you get the most nutritional benefit from this classic dish.
She mentioned, “Dal and rice are staple foods in many Indian households, offering a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and essential micronutrients. Combining different dals and rice varieties can enhance the nutritional profile of this classic meal.”
“Avoid relying solely on polished white rice; incorporate wholegrain options like brown, red, or black rice for added fibre and antioxidants. Enhance dal with vegetables, spices, and herbs to boost its nutritional profile, and pair it with yoghurt or salad for probiotics,” recommended Chakraborty.
Heathier roti alternatives
According to Veena V, Chief Clinical Dietician, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, ragi roti is one of the best plant-based sources of iron and calcium. These nutrients enhance bone strength and help increase hemoglobin levels in the body. Ragi roti’s high fiber content aids digestion, weight management, and blood sugar regulation.
Cooking methods play a crucial role in preserving the nutritional content of dal-chawal meals. (Source: Freepik)
Jowar roti, on the other hand, is high in protein, fibre, and antioxidants, making it ideal for digestion and weight loss. It also keeps the heart healthy by reducing cholesterol levels.
Story continues below this ad
Going sugar-free
Quitting sugar doesn’t mean eliminating all carbohydrates; it means avoiding added sugars like table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and even natural sweeteners like honey, said Dr Manisha Arora, director, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. “Carbohydrates are essential nutrients, but the excessive intake of simple sugars can harm health,” added Dr Arora.
Initially, quitting sugar can trigger withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, fatigue, and intense cravings. “This is because the brain is used to sugar as a quick energy source. It typically takes about 21 days to form a new habit and around 66 days to solidify it,” said Dr Arora.
Dr Arora said many people experience weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and more stable energy levels. “Skin may appear clearer, mood swings reduce, and gut health often improves due to a better microbiome balance. Oral health also benefits, with reduced risk of tooth decay,” said Dr Arora.
Dr Arora said that unsupervised sugar elimination can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not appropriately planned. “It’s important to replace sugar with balanced, nutrient-rich foods and seek guidance if needed.” Quitting sugar for 90 days can significantly improve physical and mental well-being, paving the way for long-term healthy habits.
Story continues below this ad
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.
