Anushka Sharma's Journey from Vegetarian to Vegan
The question of whether Anushka Sharma is vegetarian has a simple but evolving answer. While she proudly adopted vegetarianism in 2015, motivated by ethical reasons and her love for animals, her diet has since transitioned to a stricter veganism. This means that in recent years, she and her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli, have eliminated all animal products, including dairy, from their diet. This conscious and public shift reflects a broader commitment to health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability that the power couple actively promotes.
The Initial Shift to a Meat-Free Diet in 2015
Anushka's decision to go vegetarian in 2015 was a significant milestone. She cited her deep love for animals as the primary reason, a sentiment that was reinforced by her relationship with her dog, Dude. This choice earned her and fellow actor Aamir Khan the title of PETA India's 'Hottest Vegetarians' in 2015, bringing widespread media attention to her ethical stance. She candidly stated that the switch was one of the best decisions she ever made, leading to increased energy and a healthier feeling.
The Progression to a Vegan Lifestyle
Over time, Anushka and Virat moved beyond vegetarianism, adopting a full vegan diet. A key distinction here is that while a vegetarian diet excludes meat, poultry, and fish, a vegan diet also eliminates all animal-derived products, such as dairy, eggs, and honey. The couple's move to veganism has been widely reported, with sources in 2024 and 2025 confirming their commitment to the lifestyle. This was not a change she made alone; she significantly influenced her husband, Virat Kohli, to also ditch meat and dairy, a fact he has openly acknowledged.
Motivations Behind Her Dietary Choices
Anushka's decision is rooted in a combination of ethical and health-based considerations. Her activism with PETA and her PAWsitive campaign highlight her commitment to animal welfare. Beyond ethics, she and Virat have experienced significant health benefits from their plant-based diets. Health and nutrition experts have also supported their dietary choices, noting that a well-planned vegan diet can provide all necessary nutrients.
Reasons for Anushka Sharma's Dietary Evolution:
- Ethical Concerns: Her love for animals and opposition to animal cruelty drove the initial switch to vegetarianism.
- Influence from Loved Ones: Her dog, Dude, and her husband, Virat Kohli, both played a part in solidifying and advancing her plant-based journey.
- Health and Well-being: She has publicly noted feeling more energetic and healthier since the dietary changes.
- Environmental Impact: A move towards a plant-based diet aligns with her and Virat's focus on sustainable, conscious living.
- Dietary Optimization: She has explored specific eating patterns like the monotropic diet, which focuses on consuming one food type per meal to aid digestion and weight management.
Vegetarian vs. Vegan: A Celebrity Comparison
| Aspect | Anushka Sharma (Vegetarian Phase) | Anushka Sharma (Vegan Phase & Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Diet Type | Excluded meat, poultry, fish. | Excludes all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. |
| Initial Motivation | Primarily driven by love for animals. | Continuation and deepening of ethical commitments, plus health benefits. |
| Key Food Groups | Consumed dairy (cheese, milk), honey. | Uses dairy alternatives like almond milk and avoids all milk products. |
| Protein Sources | Reliant on dairy, paneer, and plant-based options. | Primarily relies on plant-based protein sources like lentils, quinoa, and vegetables. |
| Key Dietary Changes | Stopped eating meat. | Eliminated dairy, refined sugar, and gluten from her diet. |
Her Ongoing Focus on Clean Eating and Health
Anushka's disciplined lifestyle extends beyond her vegan diet. She focuses on clean, home-cooked food, preferring simple meals over elaborate dishes. A typical day's eating plan might involve fruits and whole grains for breakfast, dal, chapatis, and vegetables for lunch, and a soup and salad for dinner. She has also experimented with specialized eating habits like the monotropic diet, which helps with digestion and stabilizes insulin levels. Her diet is complemented by a consistent fitness routine that includes yoga, functional training, and cardio, a mix that she has maintained even through pregnancy.
The Impact of Her Influence
As a prominent public figure, Anushka's dietary choices have a ripple effect. Her advocacy has brought attention to animal rights and the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle to a vast audience. The shift has also provided inspiration for others considering a change in their eating habits, proving that a celebrity lifestyle doesn't require animal products. Her example, alongside Virat Kohli's, demonstrates that a high-performance, healthy, and ethical life is achievable on a vegan diet. You can find more about plant-based eating on the PETA India website.
Conclusion: More Than Just Vegetarian
In summary, the answer to the question, "Is Anushka Sharma vegetarian or not?" is that she has evolved beyond that label. After embracing vegetarianism in 2015, her journey continued towards a fully vegan lifestyle, a path she now shares with her husband, Virat Kohli. This change is driven by a deep-seated ethical belief in animal welfare, coupled with a conscious choice for improved health and a more sustainable way of living. Her consistent advocacy and personal example serve as a powerful testament to the benefits of a plant-based diet, solidifying her as a prominent voice for compassionate living in India and beyond.
