In an era where plant-based living is often packaged as effortless and aspirational, Bhumi Pednekar is offering a more grounded narrative that acknowledges confusion, missteps, and the patience required to truly understand one’s body. The actor, who transitioned to a vegetarian lifestyle in 2020, recently opened up about the realities of that shift on Soha Ali Khan’s podcast All About Her.
Bhumi Pednekar’s decision wasn’t sparked by trends or wellness fads, but by an emotional and ethical turning point. After adopting a puppy, the actor found herself grappling with moral questions that ultimately reshaped her relationship with food.
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When Intent Meets Reality
While the choice came easily, the execution did not.
Bhumi candidly admitted that the first year of vegetarianism was far from smooth. “I’ve been working in the space of sustainability for a while, and there was a lot of information that came my way. I was just like, ‘Okay’. It just switched. The first year was very tough. I gained a lot of weight because I didn’t know what to do,” she shared.
Like many first-time vegetarians, she leaned heavily on familiar substitutes without understanding nutritional balance. “I was like, ‘I’m eating that much cottage cheese, and there was just chaos in my life,” she said, reflecting on the overwhelm that followed.
Rethinking Protein And The Pressure Around It
One of the most compelling aspects of Bhumi’s journey is her evolving understanding of protein, a topic she believes is often overstated. “Even protein is such a bastardised topic in my opinion,” she explained, revealing that she once consumed nearly 120 grams a day. “This is what worked for my body. My inflammation was skyrocketing,” she revealed.
Today, her intake is closer to 60 grams – a number that aligns better with her energy levels and overall health. The shift highlights an important takeaway: more isn’t always better, especially when the body pushes back.
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What A Balanced Vegetarian Plate Looks Like For Bhumi
Finding sustainable protein sources required experimentation. Bhumi shared that she relies on a mix of whole foods and supplements. “Something that I do take is a protein shake because I can’t avoid it, especially when I’m working out,” she said. Her diet also includes cottage cheese, broccoli, limited soy, and chia seeds. The emphasis, she noted, is on awareness, and not restriction.
Stress, Skin, And The Body’s Warning Signs
Beyond diet, Bhumi also spoke about her experience with eczema, which surfaced during the filming of Bala in 2019. “My right side was completely swollen, and it just wasn’t stopping,” she recalled, explaining how it progressed into allergic rhinitis and pre-stage psoriasis. Stress, she noted, is a major trigger, and the condition is genetic.
Bhumi Pednekar’s story stands out because it resists extremes. Her journey underscores that health is not about rigid rules, but about adaptation, self-study, and compassion for the body and the choices we make. In sharing her imperfections, she offers something far more valuable than a blueprint: permission to learn as you go.
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