Anushka Sharma's Dietary Transformation: From Non-Veg to Vegan
Many fans are curious about the dietary choices of their favorite celebrities, and Anushka Sharma is no exception. The answer to 'Is Anushka Sharma veg or non-veg?' is a journey that reflects evolving health philosophies and a deepening commitment to animal welfare. While she was previously a non-vegetarian, she made a significant switch to vegetarianism in 2015. This was a conscious decision, influenced partly by her pet dog, Dude, who reportedly disliked the smell of meat in the house. Sharma has spoken openly about the positive impact of this change, noting that it gave her more energy and made her feel healthier.
Following her conversion, she was named PETA India's 'Hottest Vegetarian' in 2015, and later 'Person of the Year' in 2017 and 2018 for her strong advocacy of animal rights. Her campaigns for animal protection, including the 'PAWsitive' initiative against noise pollution during festivals, have amplified her voice on these ethical issues.
The Move to a Fully Vegan Lifestyle
The most recent development in her dietary habits is the shift from vegetarianism to a completely vegan lifestyle. This was a joint decision with her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli. The couple, known for their disciplined approach to fitness, adopted veganism for enhanced health and performance. In 2019, celebrity chef Harsh Dixit prepared a multi-course vegan anniversary dinner for the couple, confirming their plant-based choices. Kohli himself has credited Anushka for inspiring his own transition to vegetarianism and veganism, and has endorsed the documentary Game Changers, which promotes plant-based diets. The move aligns with their shared belief in cruelty-free and sustainable living.
A Closer Look at Anushka Sharma's Diet
Anushka Sharma's commitment to a vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diet is a key part of her overall wellness regimen. She has spoken about avoiding milk and milk products, along with refined sugar, opting for healthier, more traditional alternatives. She has also famously admitted to eating the same food for weeks or even months at a time, a practice she finds simple and effective.
Here’s a breakdown of her typical dietary habits:
- Breakfast: Often includes fresh fruits, toast, juice, and chia seeds to start the day with nutrients and hydration.
- Mid-day Snack: Small meals or snacks are common, such as lime water or coconut water to stay hydrated.
- Lunch: A simple, home-cooked meal consisting of rotis made from alternative grains like amaranth, bajra, or jowar, along with dal, vegetables, and a salad.
- Dinner: Lighter meals are preferred, like a salad and a bowl of soup, or sometimes rice dishes.
- Gluten and Dairy Avoidance: Instead of wheat flour rotis, she opts for gluten-free grains like quinoa, bajra, and jowar, and uses plant-based milks as alternatives to dairy.
Vegetarianism vs. Veganism: The Sharma-Kohli Progression
The couple's journey from vegetarianism to veganism highlights the key differences between these plant-based diets.
| Aspect | Vegetarianism (Anushka in 2015) | Veganism (Anushka and Virat today) |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Products | Excludes meat, poultry, and fish. | Excludes all animal products, including meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. |
| Dairy & Eggs | Often includes dairy products like milk and cheese, and sometimes eggs. | Strictly avoids all dairy and eggs. |
| Lifestyle Scope | Primarily a dietary choice focused on food. | A broader lifestyle commitment, also avoiding animal-derived materials like leather and wool. |
| Primary Motivation | Initially for her love of animals and ethical reasons. | Expanded to include a more comprehensive ethical and health-focused approach. |
Impact on Health and Public Image
Anushka's move towards a plant-based diet has been a conscious and public one, with a focus on both personal health benefits and ethical considerations. She has repeatedly used her platform to advocate for animal rights and cruelty-free living, influencing many of her fans towards more sustainable and compassionate choices. The transition demonstrates that a well-planned, plant-based diet can support a healthy and active lifestyle, even for high-profile individuals. Her decision, along with Virat Kohli's, has also brought greater attention to veganism within India, making it a more mainstream and aspirational lifestyle choice for many.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Anushka Sharma's Diet
So, is Anushka Sharma veg or non-veg? The answer is that she is now a dedicated vegan, having made a conscious and public move away from both non-vegetarian and, more recently, vegetarian diets. The journey, initiated by her love for animals and solidified by a desire for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle, is shared with her husband, Virat Kohli. Her actions have made her a prominent animal rights advocate in India, and her dietary choices continue to inspire her fans. For more information on animal advocacy, you can visit the official PETA India website.
