Who is Deepika Padukone's dietitian? An inside look at her health philosophy

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

For years, Bollywood star Deepika Padukone's radiant health and toned physique have been a subject of public fascination, and a key figure behind her nutritional success is celebrity dietitian Pooja Makhija. This article explores the philosophies and practices that define the work of who is Deepika Padukone's dietitian and how they have shaped the actress's lifestyle.

Quick Summary

This article details celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija's sustainable eating philosophy, explaining her influence on Deepika Padukone's balanced diet and comprehensive wellness routine.

Key Points

Celebrity Nutritionist: Pooja Makhija is the dietitian who has worked with Deepika Padukone and many other Bollywood stars, promoting a sustainable approach to health.
Holistic Philosophy: Makhija's method focuses on nourishing the body with real food and avoiding restrictive fad diets, emphasizing consistency and a healthy relationship with food.
Balanced Diet: Deepika's diet incorporates frequent small meals, a variety of macronutrients, and a preference for homemade, traditional South Indian dishes like rasam rice.
Mental and Physical Wellness: Beyond diet, Deepika's wellness routine includes yoga, Pilates, functional training, and meditation, highlighting the importance of mental health alongside physical fitness.
Mindful Indulgence: The approach allows for occasional treats and indulgences in moderation, following an 80/20 rule, which makes the diet more sustainable and enjoyable.

Meet Pooja Makhija: The Celebrity Nutritionist

Deepika Padukone's journey towards holistic health is often attributed to her collaboration with celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija. Based in Mumbai, Makhija operates her clinic, Nourish, and is the founder of the nutritional service Nourish Genie. Her list of A-list clients includes other prominent names in the industry, such as Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor, and Shahid Kapoor. As an author of best-selling books like Eat Delete, Makhija has championed a practical, sustainable approach to food that has resonated with many.

The Core Principles of Pooja Makhija's Philosophy

At the heart of Pooja Makhija's nutritional guidance is a belief in nurturing the body with proper food rather than relying on quick fixes or extreme measures. This perspective promotes a healthy relationship with food, viewing it as a source of energy and nourishment rather than an enemy in the pursuit of fitness. Her philosophy is rooted in the following key principles:

Embracing Food, Not Fearing It: Makhija's approach encourages individuals to fall in love with food, guiding them to make mindful choices that benefit their body in the long run. She advocates for an 80/20 rule, where 80% of food is consumed for nourishment and 20% for indulgence and taste.
Consistency is Key: Makhija emphasizes the importance of consistent habits, including a fixed time for eating, sleeping, and waking up. She teaches that sustainable results come from gradual progress, not crash diets.
Listening to Your Body: Rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan, Makhija's programmes are tailored to the individual's bio-individuality, considering their health reports and specific needs.

Deepika Padukone's Diet and Nutrition

Deepika Padukone's eating habits, guided by Makhija's principles, reflect a balanced and wholesome approach. Despite her global star status, she maintains a strong connection to her South Indian roots, often incorporating traditional dishes into her diet.

A Typical Day in Deepika's Diet:

Morning Ritual: The day often begins with a glass of hot water to kickstart her metabolism.
Breakfast: A wholesome breakfast might include egg whites, carbs, protein, and fruits.
Frequent Meals: To fuel her high metabolism, she eats small, balanced meals every couple of hours.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is a top priority, with a constant intake of water, coconut water, and juices.
Homemade and Traditional: She often prefers homemade food (ghar ka khana) and enjoys South Indian meals like rasam and rice.
Mindful Indulgence: Treats like dark chocolate or ice cream are enjoyed in moderation, recognizing that life is meant to be enjoyed.

Pooja Makhija's Method vs. Fad Diets


Feature	Pooja Makhija's Philosophy	Common Fad Diets
Approach	Holistic and sustainable, focusing on lifestyle changes.	Short-term, restrictive, and often eliminating entire food groups.
Goal	Long-term well-being and a healthy relationship with food.	Rapid weight loss, often unsustainable and unhealthy.
Flexibility	Encourages mindful indulgence and eating for both nourishment and taste.	Very rigid, with strict rules and little to no room for treats.
Food Source	Prioritizes fresh, whole, and traditional foods.	Often relies on processed foods, supplements, or specific 'magic' items.
Duration	A permanent, consistent lifestyle shift.	A temporary fix with a high likelihood of rebound weight gain.

Beyond Diet: Deepika's Comprehensive Wellness Routine

Deepika Padukone's health is a result of a multi-faceted approach that extends beyond just diet. She integrates various forms of physical activity and places a strong emphasis on mental well-being, recognizing that true fitness involves a balance of mind, body, and soul.

Fitness and Movement

Yoga and Pilates: The actress is a dedicated yoga and Pilates practitioner, working with experts like Yasmin Karachiwala and Anshuka Parwani to maintain flexibility, strength, and core stability.
Functional Training: Her regimen includes functional training and cardio, which helps improve her overall strength and stamina.
Rest and Recovery: Deepika emphasizes the importance of listening to her body and incorporating rest days into her schedule.

Mental Health Advocacy

Deepika has been vocal about her own mental health journey, making her a powerful advocate for the cause. Her wellness routine includes practices like meditation and mindfulness, which help her stay centered and manage stress.

Conclusion

While many people wonder who is Deepika Padukone's dietitian, the answer is more than just a name; it's an entire philosophy. Celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija has provided Deepika with a sustainable, holistic framework for health, which prioritizes balanced eating and a positive relationship with food over fleeting diet trends. This is complemented by Deepika's dedication to a varied fitness routine and her strong advocacy for mental health. The combination of expert guidance and consistent, mindful habits has been the true secret behind her enduring health and vitality.

For more insight into Pooja Makhija's nutritional beliefs and approach, you can visit her website: https://www.nourishgenie.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Deepika Padukone's dietitian is the renowned celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija, who runs the Mumbai-based clinic Nourish and has worked with her for many years.

Pooja Makhija's philosophy centers on promoting a healthy, sustainable relationship with food, focusing on balanced, nourishing meals and consistent habits rather than extreme or temporary fad diets.

Deepika follows a balanced and wholesome diet that includes frequent small meals, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. She also enjoys traditional South Indian food and stays well-hydrated.

While prioritizing healthy eating, Deepika follows a mindful approach that allows for occasional indulgences, such as her favorite dark chocolate or pastries, in moderation, rather than complete restriction.

Pooja Makhija's 80/20 rule suggests that one should indulge in outside food for 20% taste and 80% for what the body actually requires. This promotes balance without strict limitations.

Deepika's wellness routine is holistic, incorporating Pilates, functional training, and yoga for physical fitness, along with meditation and mindfulness practices for mental health.

Yes, sources indicate that Deepika has worked with other nutrition experts over time. For example, a nutritionist named Shah was mentioned in connection with her diet during her 2018 wedding preparation.

Pooja Makhija is the best-selling author of several books, including Eat Delete and Eat Delete Junior, which offer insights into her nutritional philosophy.