Actor and fitness icon Milind Soman has once again demonstrated that age is merely a number. At 60, he successfully swam from Europe to Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar, covering approximately 15 kilometers. The swim, completed on May 1, is widely regarded as one of the world's most challenging open-water routes due to strong currents, changing tides, and heavy ship traffic. Soman started from Tarifa in Spain and reached the coast of Morocco.
Milind Soman's Diet Secrets
In a 2016 interview with Mashable India, Soman revealed that he does not rely on protein bars or supplements. Instead, he gets all necessary nutrition from Dal Khichdi, which he calls his favorite food. His daily breakfast includes nuts, one papaya, one melon, and seasonal fruits like mangoes or grapes. Lunch, around 2 pm, consists of rice and dal khichdi with local and seasonal vegetables. On days he avoids rice, he eats six chapatis with vegetables and dal. For evening snacks, he prefers a cup of black tea sweetened with jaggery. Dinner at 7 pm includes a plate of vegetables or bhaji, with occasional khichdi if hungry. He avoids sugar, using jaggery for sweetness, and before bed, he drinks hot water with turmeric and jaggery.
Why Dal Khichdi is a Complete Meal
Dal Khichdi is often considered a light recovery meal, but it is a nutritionally balanced dish. The combination of rice and dal provides a complete protein profile, essential for muscle repair and growth. It is easy to digest and offers carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, providing sustained energy. Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, spinach, or beans enriches it with vitamins and minerals. The balanced macronutrients help maintain steady energy levels and prevent blood sugar spikes.
How to Boost Protein in Khichdi
- Mix multiple dals: Use toor, chana, and urad dal together for a richer amino acid profile.
- Add paneer: 50–70 grams of paneer cubes increase protein content.
- Include sprouts: A handful of steamed sprouts adds 12–18 grams of protein and crunch.
