Latest news with #OMAD
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Jo pichhle 20 saal mein sikhaya gaya…sab galat hai': Ram Kapoor says having two meals a day amounts to ‘overeating', backs OMAD; can it work for the average Indian?
'Jitna kam khaoge na, utna zyada energy hota hai' (The less you eat, the more energy you have), said actor Ram Kapoor on Bharti Singh's podcast, where he appeared alongside Mona Singh. The conversation turned revealing when Kapoor said, 'If you eat only one meal a day — main nahi karta hoon… (I don't do that),' prompting Mona to add, 'I eat one meal a day.' Kapoor continued, 'I eat two. But one meal a day is supposed to be the healthiest. Jo aapki energy level double ho jaati hai (Your energy level doubles).' Citing spiritual leader Sadhguru, he said, 'Sadhguru ko jaante ho? One meal a day khaate hain, unhone khud bataya hai—YouTube mein hai. (Do you know Sadhguru? He eats one meal a day, he's said it himself, it's on YouTube.)' Kapoor then claimed, 'If you eat two meals a day, technically you are overeating.' He went a step further, questioning the very foundation of modern meal norms: 'Jo pichhle 20 saal mein sikhaya gaya hai –— teen meal khaao, cereal khaao… sab galat hai. Yeh sab food industry ko promote karne ke liye kiya gaya tha. (Everything we've been taught in the last 20 years… that we should eat three meals a day, eat cereal… is all wrong. It was promoted to benefit the food industry).' When Bharti joked about having four meals a day, Kapoor said, 'Arey main toh 10 khaata tha. Beech-beech mein saans lene ke liye rukna padta tha mujhe.' (I used to eat 10 times a day—I had to pause just to breathe.) This candid exchange shines light on the rising popularity of intermittent fasting trends like OMAD (One Meal A Day) and the Two-Meal approach. But in a country as socio-economically diverse as India, with long working hours and varied nutritional needs, is this kind of celebrity-endorsed lifestyle change actually feasible or advisable? Food history expert Alok Singh of Diga Organics explained that before colonial influence, Indian eating patterns were far from standardised. 'Meal timings were more intuitive, shaped by climate, agricultural work, spiritual customs, and regional food availability,' he told Agrarian and pastoral communities typically ate two main meals — one after the morning's work and another after sunset. In regions like Rajasthan or Ladakh, heavier meals were taken earlier in the day to match the harsh climate. Among tribal and nomadic groups, meals were often dictated by availability rather than fixed schedules. The three-meal structure, Singh says, was institutionalised during colonial rule, especially in cities and among those in government or military employment. 'The British imposed the rhythm of breakfast-lunch-dinner based on Victorian norms, which was replicated in schools, offices, and hospitals.' It also became aspirational. 'Eating three meals a day came to symbolise modernity, order, and sophistication, in line with British ideals,' Singh said. Singh also pointed out that ancient Indian eating was based more on cycles of fasting and feasting than rigid meal timings. 'Weekly fasts, seasonal detoxes, and fasting on religious days were common across communities. These weren't just spiritual practices; they reflected a cyclical understanding of digestion and health,' he said. He also noted that dishes like idli, poha, and upma existed long before the concept of 'breakfast' was formalised. They were simply practical, early-morning meals— light, easy to digest, and often made from fermented or leftover grains. Their transformation into 'breakfast foods' had more to do with urbanisation, school timings, and nuclear families than any cultural shift. Today, as celebrities champion OMAD and intermittent fasting, some people are experimenting with OMAD or two-meal routines –– with mixed outcomes. Journalist Madhulika Dash began a flexible approach combining OMAD, two meals, and intermittent fasting after being diagnosed with Grade 4 fatty liver. Told to lose 10 kg and prepare for surgery, she instead chose to heal through lifestyle change. Her experience highlighted both the transformative potential and the challenges: 'You feel lighter, more focused, your skin improves, period pains reduce, and your joints become more flexible. You also get more attuned to your body's signals.' However, she warned, 'You need supplements, because it's easy to cling to one style of eating just because of how good it makes you feel.' For Niyti Chetan Maru, 25, OMAD connected her to Jain spiritual fasting (Varsitap), where she alternated complete fasts with simple meals. 'One day I would completely fast with just boiled water, and then the following day I would have two plain Jain meals,' she said, adding, 'I felt lighter, digestion was better, and I craved less. Mentally, I was more relaxed, clearer-headed, and less reactive.' But, on some days, she also experienced 'exhaustion, minor headaches, or lagging energy.' Deep Mitra Roy, 33, offered a different perspective: 'Everyone's romanticising OMAD because of celebrity podcasts. But celebs have chefs, wellness teams, and PR. Try doing it with a 9-to-5 job and social meals –– it doesn't work.' He also faced physical side effects: 'My gym stamina dropped. I got irritable. My relationship with food became obsessive. I started dreading meals instead of enjoying them.' Lubna Ifrah, 25, tried a two-meal-a-day pattern after weight gain. 'It started during Ramadan and I kept going because it worked. But convincing my parents to let me skip breakfast was hard.' Over time, she noticed more energy and less mindless eating. 'It works if you have a naturally small appetite and can power through the initial hunger,' she said. Nutritionist Aditi Prabhu, founder of NutroDynamix, said fasting is not new to Indian culture, but needs context: 'Whether fewer meals will work depends on age, medical issues, climate, appetite, and lifestyle. Doing it unsupervised can be risky.' She noted that Indian diets are heavily carbohydrate-based, with moderate to low protein and micronutrients. 'Restricting frequency without balanced intake may lead to fatigue and deficiencies,' she said. Dietician Pranjal Kumat echoed this: 'While it may improve insulin sensitivity or help weight loss in some, it's not sustainable for most Indians—especially those with erratic schedules or high energy demands.' Red flags include fatigue, mood swings, gut issues, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient loss. 'People may experience muscle loss, poor concentration, and irregular periods without proper planning,' Kumat warned. Should celebrities be more responsible? Experts warned against blindly following celebrity health trends. 'Celebrities live very different lives. While they work hard to maintain their appearance, they also have access to personal trainers, dietitians, and medical experts,' said Prabhu, adding, 'They're not healthcare professionals, and may not realise that health and nutrition need to be tailored to each individual.' Kumat echoed the concern: 'Celebrity routines can raise awareness, but they often lack scientific context. These diets are usually carried out under expert supervision ,something most people don't have, and that can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential health risks.' Kapoor may be right about the three-meal structure being historically recent and colonial in origin. But that doesn't mean OMAD or two-meal diets are universally better. The core lesson, as per both experts and practitioners, is this: eating patterns should be flexible, personal, and aligned with your body's needs, lifestyle, health conditions, and cultural context. It should not be a blanket rule borrowed from influencers or ancient customs. The real lesson isn't about the number of meals, but about reconnecting with our body's natural rhythms while being mindful of our modern realities. 'There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition,' Prabhu said. Swarupa is a Senior Sub Editor for the lifestyle desk at The Indian Express. With a passion for storytelling, she delves into the realms of art & culture, fitness, health, nutrition, psychology, and relationships, empowering her readers with valuable insights. ... Read More
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Kapil Sharma to Vidya Balan: Inside The Jaw-Dropping Weight Loss Journey Of 7 Bollywood Stars
1/7 Karan Johar: The filmmaker credited the OMAD diet as the real reason behind his transformation. In an interview, he also revealed that staying consistent was the key, rather than extreme diet or quick fixes. (Image: Instagram) Vidya Balan: The actress revealed that inflammation was the reason behind her weight gain and switching to an anti-inflammatory diet helped her to shed those extra kilos. (Image: Instagram) The comedian-actor who recently lost an impressive 11 kilos, adopted the 21-21-21 rule to change his diet habits gradually and gave up on liquor and coffee. His approach was holistic, prioritising mindful eating with regular activity. (Image: Instagram) Bhumi Pednekar: Dum Laga Ke Haisa actress shed 25 kilos in just 4 months. She focused on balanced diet, cutting on junk food and sugar. Her routine also included regular exercise, weight training, and cardio. (Image: Instagram) Bharti Singh: The Comedy Queen lost 16 kilos in 10 months without hitting the gym. She stopped eating after 7PM and stuck to a simple time-restricted eating pattern. She also did not follow a strict diet but focused on eating home-cooked meals. (Image: Instagram) Ram Kapoor: Mistry actor underwent a major transformation, dropping 55 kilos in 18 months. He followed a rigorous intermittent fasting schedule and did not eat for 16 hours a day. He also excluded dairy, oil and sugar from his diet. (Image: Instagram)
NDTV
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
From Kapil Sharma To Bhumi Pednekar: 7 Bollywood Celebrities Who Dropped Serious Weight, And How They Did It
In a country where cinema is a religion and Bollywood stars are idolised as icons, it is no surprise that their every move becomes a talking point. From fashion choices to fitness routines, fans across India closely follow their favourite celebrities not just for entertainment but for lifestyle inspiration. Weight loss, in particular, has become a subject of fascination. When a celebrity sheds the kilos, it sparks curiosity: How did they do it? Their transformations are not just physical; they also reflect dedication, discipline and a strong sense of personal well-being. Let us take a look at seven Bollywood celebrities who stunned fans with drastic weight loss and shared the diet and lifestyle changes that helped them get there, earning them the spotlight they truly deserved. 7 Bollywood Celebrities Who Stunned Us With Drastic Weight Loss: 1. Karan Johar Says OMAD Helped Him Lose Weight Without Quick Fixes Recently, shutting down rumours about taking Ozempic for weight loss, filmmaker Karan Johar credited the OMAD diet (One Meal A Day) as the real reason behind his transformation in an interview with Raj Shamani. Combined with a cleaner, portion-controlled diet without glucose, gluten and lactose, Karan says this routine helped him feel lighter and more energetic. He also mentioned that staying consistent was key, rather than following extreme diets or quick fixes. 2. Bharti Singh Lost 16 Kilos Without The Gym Comedian Bharti Singh stunned fans by losing 16 kilos over 10 months-without hitting the gym. Her secret? She stopped eating after 7 PM and stuck to a simple time-restricted eating pattern. Bharti did not follow a strict diet but focused on eating home-cooked meals during the day. She also did not cut out her favourite foods, making her journey feel sustainable. The result was improved energy, confidence, and better health, all without drastic lifestyle changes. Read the full interview with NDTV Food. 3. Vidya Balan Switched To Anti-Inflammatory Foods Actress Vidya Balan is often candid about her health struggles. In an interview with Galatta India, she revealed that inflammation was the reason behind her weight gain and that switching to an anti-inflammatory diet helped her shed extra weight. Along with proper hydration and a focus on mindful eating, Vidya's transformation was gradual but noticeable. She believes in listening to her body and not falling for diet fads. Click here to learn more about her weight loss journey. 4. Ram Kapoor Dropped 55 Kilos With Intermittent Fasting TV and film actor Ram Kapoor underwent a major transformation, dropping 55 kilos in 18 months. He followed a rigorous intermittent fasting schedule and reportedly did not eat for 16 hours a day. He eliminated dairy, oil, most carbs and sugar from his diet. Ram emphasised that the journey was more mental than physical, requiring a shift in lifestyle and attitude more than anything else. Ram Kapoor revealed more details about his journey. Read here. 5. Adnan Sami Lost 150 Kilos Through Diet And Medical Support Singer Adnan Sami's transformation remains one of the most talked-about in the industry. He lost a staggering 150 kilos in just over a year. Adnan followed a strict low-calorie, low-carb and high-protein diet, completely cutting out sugar and oil. He also stopped eating after 6 PM. With the help of doctors and nutritionists, he made long-term changes to his food habits, proving that determination can truly change one's life. Learn more about his weight loss diet here. 6. Bhumi Pednekar Dropped 25 Kilos In Four Months Actress Bhumi Pednekar lost 25 kilos in just four months through sheer commitment. She did not rely on crash diets; instead, she focused on a balanced diet, cutting out sugar, junk food and refined carbs. Her meals were loaded with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, and she started her day with aloe vera juice. She paired this with regular exercise, including weight training and cardio, highlighting that sustainable weight loss comes from consistency and lifestyle balance. Here is the full story. 7. Kapil Sharma Followed The 21-21-21 Rule For Healthier Habits Comedian Kapil Sharma lost an impressive 11 kilos by returning to basics, eating home-cooked food and staying away from fried items. He adopted the 21-21-21 rule to change his diet habits gradually and gave up liquor and coffee. Kapil's approach was holistic, blending mindful eating with regular activity. He also spoke about the importance of mental well-being and reduced stress playing a major role in his health journey. Click here to know more. Weight Loss Is About Consistency, Not Shortcuts These celebrity transformations remind us that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to weight loss. Whether it is intermittent fasting, clean eating or portion control, what works is consistency, balance and listening to your body. After all, the real "diet plan" is one that you can stick to for life, not just for the camera.
NDTV
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
When Karan Johar Shut Down Ozempic Rumours, And Credited This Diet For Weight Loss: "They Have No Idea..."
Celebrated filmmaker. Producer, and talk show host, Karan Johar has been in the public eye for decades, but lately he has been under the spotlight for his weight loss. His weight loss transformation has drawn attention not just for his appearance but also for the way that people think he has lost the weight. Some on social media shared that The Traitors host shed the extra kilos with Ozempic - the drug that helps treat type 2 diabetes, and weight loss is one of its side effects. However, he refuted the rumours saying that people don't know the whole story. Karan Johar Says He Did Not Use Weight Loss Drugs The renowned director spoke about losing the extra kilos without Ozempic in a podcast episode of Figuring Out With Raj Shamani, where he addressed the speculations. "I have always been battling the bulge. I have tried a thousand different diets and five hundred workouts. Nothing worked. After years of combatting it, I did some blood tests and realised the issues I had, with my thyroid, etc. Now people keep asking me 'Are you on Ozempic, Mounjaro?' and I am tired of it. They have no idea about the truth, and I don't want to share it." He recapitulated that his weight loss transformation is rooted in improving his health, and not driven by weight loss drugs, which he would endorse if that were the case but it's not. "I know I am healthy and lighter and I have never ever felt more confident in my skin… this is the finest time… in 52 years." Karan Johar Chose OMAD Diet For Weight Loss In the interview, he also mentioned that he worked on managing his thyroid - a condition that slows down the metabolism - which he never knew he had a problem with. Apart from this, he went on an OMAD diet. Karan Johar revealed that this diet helped him transform his diet drastically. He followed the diet for seven months. He ate only one meal a day around 8:30, and eliminated lactose, glucose, and gluten entirely from his plate. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar) What Is OMAD Diet? Healthline defines OMAD or One Meal A Day as an eating pattern wherein a person restricts themselves to eating just one meal a day, based on their preferences. This helps them restrict their calorie intake to a single meal or a very short period of time of eating. A 2018 study published in the JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports found that intermittent fasting, including extended periods like OMAD diet, can help with weight loss. However, it is still considered an extreme method of fasting and may lead to the loss of lean body mass - which can be dangerous for some people. It is best to check with your healthcare provider to avoid any complications. Karan Johar's Battle With Body Dysmorphia Beyond his physical health, Karan Johar also combated the emotional turmoil of living with body dysmorphia. He admitted having a difficult relationship with his body which to this day remains complicated. "I have body dysmorphia, it is when you are ashamed of your body and you get awkward seeing yourself naked, you have issues with your body. I struggle with that even today. I can't even look at myself in the mirror," he told Shamani. He spoke about being uncomfortable with going to saunas or swimming pools. Even after getting rid of the extra kilos, he continues to struggle with it. "I suppose people seek therapy for body dysmorphia, but I have not opted for any treatment... you keep hiding your body because you are ashamed of it". Karan further highlighted the negative impact of body dysmorphia and how it can have emotional repercussions, including negative self-perception and self-criticism, which can even lead to intimacy issues. According to MayoClinic, body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance. A person may feel so ashamed that they may start avoiding social situations. It should be treated immediately and when left untreated, it may even lead to problems.
NDTV
02-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Shares The Correct Way To Do Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a type of eating pattern that cycles between two specific periods: eating and voluntary fasting. Unlike a diet where a nutritionist decides what foods to eat and what to avoid, intermittent fasting dictates the time when you should consume them. Some popular methods include 16:8, 5:2, alternate-day fasting, and One Meal A Day (OMAD). Since IF curbs your eating window, it also reduces calorie intake. Research has shown that IF can promote weight loss, maintain blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. But it's important to do it in the right way. For that, we have nutritionist Lovneet Batra for guidance. Lovneet Batra's latest Instagram entry covers all aspects of intermittent fasting. Her caption says, "Trying Intermittent Fasting? Here's How to Do It Right. Fasting can work for you - but only if you do it the right way." Follow these tips to practice intermittent fasting correctly 1. Skip the black coffee first thing Having coffee on an empty stomach might spike cortisol and irritate your gut. Try lemon water with a pinch of pink salt to stay hydrated and balanced. 2. Pick a fasting style that suits you Start simple: 16:8 (fast for 16 hours, eat in an 8-hour window), 5:2 (normal eating 5 days, restrict on 2) and alternate-day fasting 3. Time your eating with your body clock Eating earlier in the day improves digestion, blood sugar, and sleep. Wrap up meals at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. 4. Fuel your body during eating hours Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods like protein (eggs, fish, dals), good fats (ghee, nuts, avocado) and fiber (veggies, fruits, whole grains) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovneet Batra (@lovneetb) 5. Break your fast gently Ease into food with smoothies, fermented foods, oats, or light dal-rice-veggie combos. 6. Stay hydrated (Always) Water is essential during your fasting window. Sip throughout the day to avoid fatigue or sluggishness. 7. Start slow & listen to your body Begin with a 12-hour fast and increase gradually. Hunger pangs, brain fog, or fatigue? Adjust your routine - fasting isn't one-size-fits-all. 8. Support with good sleep & movement 7-8 hours of sleep and light activity like walking or yoga can make fasting more effective.
