Genelia Deshmukh Opens Up About Her Vegan Transformation
Actor Genelia Deshmukh recently discussed her personal journey towards veganism in a candid conversation. She appeared on Soha Ali Khan's YouTube channel, where she shared insights into her dietary shift. Genelia explained that this change did not happen overnight but evolved gradually over several years.
Early Life and Initial Challenges
Genelia Deshmukh grew up in a non-vegetarian family. She admitted that vegetarian food felt unfamiliar to her at first. In her own words, she said, "I didn't know any better. I was born in a non-vegetarian family. I only knew peas, potatoes and paneer as vegetarian food." This background made the transition more challenging initially.
The First Steps Towards Change
Her husband, Riteish Deshmukh, played a key role in this journey. Riteish decided to leave meat in 2016, stating it no longer felt right. Genelia followed suit by giving up meat in 2017. However, she clarified that this did not make her vegan immediately. "I gave up meat in 2017, that was the time I turned vegetarian and not plant-based. I still used to have a little bit of dairy and cheese, and eggs were on," she recalled.
Motivations Behind the Shift
Many people assume such dietary changes stem from spiritual reasons. Genelia revealed her initial motivation was more personal. "My first step toward being vegan was selfish as I thought this kind of living would be better for my health," she explained. As she progressed, other factors influenced her decision, including her love for animals and concerns for her children's well-being.
Physical and Emotional Changes
Genelia noticed significant improvements in her body after adopting a vegetarian diet. She felt lighter after meals and became more disciplined in her eating habits. "I started learning more about eating vegetarian food, and I felt extremely light after a meal. I was more disciplined cause I wanted this approach in life," she said. The transition to a fully vegan diet occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she and Riteish decided to eliminate all animal products.
Expert Advice on Nutritional Gaps
Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietitian and diabetes educator, highlighted common pitfalls during such transitions. She noted that individuals often overlook essential nutrients like protein, B12, iron, omega-3s, and calcium. To counter this, Malhotra recommends focusing on diverse plant-based foods. "Prioritise diverse plants like lentils, quinoa, tofu, nuts, seeds, fortified foods, and algae oil supplementation," she advised. Simple strategies, such as pairing iron-rich spinach with vitamin C from citrus, can enhance nutrient absorption.
Digestive Benefits and Satiety
Reducing animal products can lead to better digestion, according to Malhotra. Plant-based diets increase fibre intake, which speeds up gut transit and reduces bloating. "Plant proteins trigger peptide hormones for prolonged satiety," she explained. Genelia's experience of feeling full after consuming dairy aligns with this, as dairy can be taxing for many Indians who are lactose intolerant.
Key Takeaways from Genelia's Journey
- Transitioning to veganism is a gradual process that requires patience and planning.
- Personal health and family influence can be strong motivators for dietary changes.
- Consulting experts helps avoid nutritional deficiencies during the shift.
- Plant-based diets may improve digestion and energy levels over time.
Genelia Deshmukh's story underscores the importance of mindful eating and adapting to new dietary habits for overall well-being.
