Popular television actress Munmun Dutta, widely recognized as Babita Ji from the long-running sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has consistently impressed fans with her impeccable fitness and timeless appearance. In a detailed glimpse into her disciplined lifestyle shared via an old YouTube vlog, the actress revealed the strict diet and daily routine that form the cornerstone of her health regimen.
A Day in the Life: Early Mornings and Pre-Gym Rituals
Munmun Dutta's day begins at the crack of dawn, precisely at 5:30 AM. Her first act after waking up is to hydrate thoroughly with plenty of water, a practice she believes helps activate the body. Following this, she prepares for her workout session. However, before heading to the gym, she follows a non-negotiable pre-gym ritual.
She consumes one banana daily, approximately 15–20 minutes after waking up. This habit persists even on her non-workout days. Accompanying the banana is a small portion of soaked dry fruits, typically almonds or pistachios. This light pre-gym meal of a banana and a handful of dry fruits provides her with the necessary energy without weighing her down.
The Core Philosophy: Mindful Eating and Intermittent Fasting
Munmun places significant emphasis on meal timing, a key aspect of her approach which incorporates principles of intermittent fasting. She explained that if her workout gets delayed or she wakes up late, she avoids a heavy breakfast and might even skip it altogether, opting instead for a glass of milk or a couple of eggs.
When she does have breakfast post an early workout, she prefers simple, homemade options like dosa, poha, upma, or milk with cereal. A generous serving of fruits always accompanies her morning meal. This mindfulness extends throughout her day, dictating not just what she eats, but when.
Home-Cooked Bengali Meals and Essential Ghee
For lunch and dinner, Munmun is a staunch advocate of traditional, home-cooked food. Being a proud Bengali, rice is a staple in her diet. Her typical lunch consists of masoor dal cooked with panch phoron (a classic Bengali five-spice mix), a vegetable dish like her beloved bhindi (okra), and seasonal greens such as mooli ka saag.
She also includes two types of salads, often made with beetroot, carrot, and cucumber, lightly seasoned. One element she never misses is homemade ghee. Munmun firmly believes that including healthy fats like ghee is crucial for overall well-being and prepares it fresh at home.
The actress admitted that wheat doesn't suit her digestion well, though she occasionally indulges in parathas. She enjoys making her meals a special experience at home, using proper plates and cutlery, even as she works on eating slower and chewing her food more thoroughly.
Evening Snacks and Comforting Dinners
Her evening snack is intentionally light, usually comprising fruits like apples and oranges. She pairs this with healthy options such as masala quinoa made with peas, carrots, and onions. Munmun always ensures she eats something before having tea or coffee to prevent acidity, a lesson learned from personal experience.
Dinner often mirrors her lunch or takes the form of her ultimate comfort food: dal khichdi. She finds this dish so satisfying and easy to digest that she requests it even while staying at luxury hotels during her travels. This simple, nutritious meal perfectly encapsulates her philosophy of eating clean, homemade, and mindfully portioned food to maintain her fit and stunning physique over the years.
