Deepika Padukone, admired for her athletic physique and disciplined lifestyle, has long spoken against extreme fitness shortcuts. An old interview of the actor has been doing the rounds recently, and she
gets candid to address the harmful culture of crash dieting, overnight body transformations and the industry’s fixation on being ‘size zero’.
The pressure to look a certain way for films often pushes actors toward unhealthy shortcuts. When asked whether such practices take a toll on health, Deepika firmly rejected the idea of last-minute transformations.
In her 2012 interview with Rediff, she stressed that fitness should never be treated as a short-term goal. Instead, she believes consistency is key, warning that erratic habits like crash dieting and sudden workout bursts can disrupt the body’s natural balance.
She explained, “Ideally, one should not reach a stage where you have to do it suddenly and go on crash diets and exercises. You need to be conscious on a daily basis. I feel that this should be your lifestyle.”
Deepika further shared that for her, working out and eating right are not tied to shoots or events but are ingrained into everyday life. Observing how many people neglect health and then resort to extreme measures, she pointed out how dangerous this cycle can be.
She said, “I know a lot of people who eat crazy and don’t work out and suddenly they want a perfect body for which they go on a crash diet. This takes a toll on your hormones.” According to her, maintaining balance consistently is far healthier than pushing the body to extremes.
The Dark Side of Yo-Yo Dieting:
Deepika also highlighted the biological consequences of fluctuating eating patterns. Frequent weight loss and gain, commonly known as yo-yo dieting, can interfere with hormonal health, metabolism and overall well-being.
Deepika Padukone on Size Zero
At a time when the size zero trend dominated Bollywood and fashion circles, Deepika offered a refreshing perspective. Rather than criticising the size itself, she questioned the unhealthy methods often used to achieve it.
For her, body measurements are not reliable indicators of fitness. She explained, “I am someone who believes that size doesn’t matter; fitness and health should come first.”
She elaborated that physical capability and stamina matter far more than how slim someone looks. Deepika concluded that being size zero is not inherently problematic — if it is achieved healthily.
What a Balanced Diet Really Means
A balanced diet plays a crucial role in supporting long-term fitness and overall health. Rather than eliminating food groups or following extreme plans, nutrition should focus on providing the body with essential nutrients in the right proportions.
Key Components of a Balanced Diet
- Carbohydrates: The body’s primary energy source, found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Proteins: Essential for muscle repair and tissue growth, available in lean meats, fish, beans, nuts and dairy.
- Fats: Important for brain function and vitamin absorption, especially healthy fats from oils, nuts, seeds and fish.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Support immunity and regulate bodily processes; abundant in fruits, vegetables and dairy.
- Fiber: Promotes digestive health and satiety, found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Water: Vital for hydration and nutrient transport, with 6–8 glasses recommended daily.
A truly healthy diet emphasises variety, portion control, hydration and listening to the body’s needs, while limiting processed foods, excess sugar and salt.
