A Disciplined Start to the Day
Malaika's day begins early, but her first meal is much later. She practices intermittent fasting, maintaining a fasting window of about 16 to 18 hours. Her mornings are dedicated to hydration. She starts with warm water, sometimes with lime, or jeera
water. She has also spoken about starting her day with a spoonful of ghee or coconut oil, an Ayurvedic practice she believes in. This liquid-focused start helps her stay hydrated and energized through her morning fast.
The Intermittent Fasting Window
Intermittent fasting is a cornerstone of her routine, a method she says has worked "like magic" for her physical and mental health. Her eating window typically starts around noon and her last meal is by 7 or 7:30 p.m. She emphasizes that this is not about dieting or starving herself, but about timing. Within her eating window, no food group is strictly forbidden. This approach allows her system to rest and reset, and she credits it for helping her sleep better and feel lighter.
Lunch Is All About 'Ghar Ka Khana'
When it's time for her first meal of the day, Malaika turns to the comfort of home-cooked food. She has firmly stated that she is not a fan of salads, finding them unsatisfying. Instead, her lunch is a balanced Indian meal. It typically includes rice, dal, roti, and a generous portion of vegetables. She prioritizes organic produce whenever possible and believes in the nutritional power of a complete, traditional thali. Portion control is key; she reportedly uses a specific size of bowl to moderate her intake naturally.
A Light and Early Dinner
Sticking to her eating window, Malaika's dinner is always early and light. This rule of not eating after sunset is something she swears by, as it gives her body ample time to digest before sleep. A typical dinner might consist of soup or her favourite comfort food, khichdi, often packed with vegetables. This ensures her final meal is nourishing yet easy on the digestive system, aligning with her overall wellness philosophy.
What's Off the Menu?
While her diet is not about extreme restrictions, there are certain things Malaika consistently avoids. She steers clear of processed foods, anything with artificial flavours or colours, and sugary or fried items. She prefers to fuel her body with natural foods. While some reports mention she avoids dairy, her core principle is to eat clean and simple. She has also debunked the myth of avoiding carbohydrates entirely, arguing that a balanced approach is more sustainable and prevents issues like energy loss.
Snacking and Hydration
Between meals, if she feels hungry, Malaika opts for healthy snacks. These might include a handful of nuts like walnuts, makhana, or fresh fruits. For a protein boost after a workout, instead of powders, she prefers a homemade shake with natural ingredients like bananas, dates, and nuts. Hydration is a constant throughout the day, not just in the morning. She emphasizes drinking plenty of water as a fundamental part of her routine.
