The Health Scare that Prompted the Switch
For years, Virat Kohli was known for his intense fitness regimen but also for his love of non-vegetarian food. However, a significant health incident in 2018 became the catalyst for a drastic change in his eating habits. During the Centurion Test series in South Africa, Kohli experienced a cervical spine issue that caused a compressed nerve, leading to severe pain and sleep disruption. He reported feeling a tingling sensation in his right hand's little finger, which made batting difficult. Medical tests revealed that his stomach had become highly acidic, leading to increased uric acid levels. In an effort to make his body more alkaline, his stomach began to pull calcium from his bones, which contributed to his spine problems.
The Shift to a Plant-Based Vegetarian Diet
In response to this diagnosis, a doctor advised him to cut down on meat to reduce the acidity in his body. Kohli, a self-proclaimed foodie who once loved butter chicken, made the difficult but necessary decision to eliminate meat entirely from his diet. This change occurred during the England tour in 2018. He transitioned to a diet focused on plant-based foods, including lentils, legumes, vegetables, and other high-protein alternatives. The results were transformative, with Kohli reporting increased energy levels, faster recovery, and a complete absence of the body stiffness and stomach issues he had previously experienced.
Clarifying the Vegan vs. Vegetarian Confusion
Despite widespread media reports and assumptions, Virat Kohli never fully adopted a vegan lifestyle. The confusion became apparent in 2021 when he conducted an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Instagram and listed 'some eggs' as part of his diet. When criticized by some who believed he was vegan, Kohli took to Twitter to clarify the distinction, stating he is vegetarian and never claimed to be vegan. A vegan diet prohibits all animal products, including eggs and dairy, while a vegetarian diet, depending on the type, may allow some animal byproducts like eggs (ovo-vegetarian) or dairy (lacto-vegetarian). Kohli's diet appears to be an ovo-vegetarian one, where he focuses primarily on plant-based foods but includes eggs for nutrition.
The Nutritional Aspects of Kohli's Diet
Kohli's current diet is meticulously planned to support his demanding career as a world-class athlete. It includes a high intake of plant-based proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of vegetables and fruits. He consciously avoids oily, deep-fried, and spicy foods, relying instead on boiled or steamed preparations with minimal seasoning. His food choices are strategic, aimed at reducing inflammation and maintaining optimal body composition. Kohli's former strength and conditioning coach, Shanker Basu, confirmed that with the right adjustments, a vegetarian diet can provide all the necessary amino acids and nutrients for peak athletic performance.
Comparison of Virat Kohli's Diets
| Feature | Pre-2018 Diet (Non-Vegetarian) | Post-2018 Diet (Vegetarian) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Sources | Primarily meat (e.g., butter chicken, grilled fish), eggs, dairy. | Plant-based (lentils, legumes, tofu, quinoa), supplemented with eggs. |
| Meal Preparation | Included a variety of rich, oily, and spiced foods. | Focuses on boiled, steamed, and pan-grilled foods with minimal seasoning. |
| Health Impact | Led to high acidity, increased uric acid, and calcium depletion from bones. | Resolved acidity issues, increased energy levels, improved recovery. |
| Energy & Recovery | Experienced body stiffness and slower recovery times. | Feels consistently more energetic and recovers faster after matches. |
| Diet Type | Omnivorous, with a focus on traditional Indian meat dishes. | Ovo-vegetarian, primarily plant-based with the inclusion of eggs. |
Lists of Kohli's Preferred Foods
Commonly Consumed Items:
- Legumes and lentils
- Tofu and other soya products
- Quinoa
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dry fruits
- Avocado
- Brown rice
- Eggs
Foods He Avoids:
- Red meat and poultry
- Oily and fried foods
- Spicy and rich dishes
- Most dairy products
Conclusion
To definitively answer the question, when did Kohli become vegan?, the answer is that he never did. Virat Kohli's dietary transformation was a shift from a non-vegetarian to a vegetarian diet in 2018, triggered by a serious health condition involving his cervical spine and high acidity. This change was purely for personal health and athletic performance enhancement, and he has publicly clarified his vegetarian status since. While his plant-based focus can be misconstrued as veganism, the crucial inclusion of eggs in his diet confirms his vegetarianism. His journey serves as an inspiring example of an elite athlete who prioritizes health and adapts his lifestyle for peak performance. The success he has enjoyed post-2018 demonstrates that a well-managed plant-based vegetarian diet is more than capable of sustaining a top-level sportsperson. For further reading, check out his official clarification on Twitter regarding his diet: I never claimed to be vegan, says Kohli.
