Meet Rujuta Diwekar: The Face Behind Kareena Kapoor's Fitness
For nearly two decades, the secret to Kareena Kapoor Khan's remarkable fitness has been celebrity nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar. Starting their professional relationship in 2007, when Kapoor was preparing for her iconic 'size-zero' look in the film Tashan, Diwekar has guided the star through weight management, pregnancies, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle into her 40s. Unlike many dietitians who advocate for extreme or restrictive diets, Diwekar's philosophy is deeply rooted in Indian tradition, promoting a wholesome, balanced, and sustainable approach to food and exercise.
Her method focuses on respecting local, seasonal, and home-cooked meals, including classics like ghee, dal-chawal, and khichdi. This common-sense approach demonstrates that expensive foods and punishing exercise regimens are not necessary for a fit body.
The Core Principles of Rujuta Diwekar's Diet Philosophy
Rujuta Diwekar's nutritional guidance for Kareena Kapoor and her other clients is built on a few core tenets that challenge modern dieting myths. These principles focus on a sustainable lifestyle rather than temporary fixes, fostering a healthy relationship with food.
- Embrace Local and Seasonal Food: A cornerstone of Diwekar's philosophy is the belief that nature provides the right nutrients at the right time. She encourages clients to eat foods grown locally and seasonally, which are often more nutrient-dense and eco-friendly.
- Eat Simple, Traditional Meals: Diwekar champions traditional Indian meals, arguing that they are perfectly balanced with the right mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Foods like khichdi, parathas, and rice are staples, not enemies.
- Prioritize Gut Health: Good digestion is a priority. Diwekar often recommends finishing dinner early and including items like dal-rice and khichdi that are easy to digest. A glass of turmeric milk with nutmeg before bed is also a key recommendation for sleep and digestion.
- Don't Skip Meals: Diwekar stresses the importance of eating regularly to keep metabolism active and blood sugar stable. Frequent, small, home-cooked meals are preferred over long gaps that can lead to cravings and overeating.
- Incorporate Healthy Fats: Contrary to low-fat trends, Diwekar advocates for healthy fats like ghee, which aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and promote satiety.
Kareena Kapoor's Daily Diet Plan
Through years of collaboration, Diwekar and Kapoor have refined a straightforward yet highly effective diet plan. This is a breakdown of what Kareena typically eats in a day, based on her nutritionist's revelations:
- Morning (first thing): A handful of soaked almonds, raisins, or a banana to kickstart metabolism and energy.
- Breakfast (approx. 9-10 am): A fulfilling homemade breakfast like poha or a paratha.
- Lunch (approx. 12 pm): A classic and wholesome meal of dal and rice, or sometimes roti with vegetables and a spoonful of ghee.
- Mid-afternoon snack (approx. 4-6 pm): Simple, homemade options like a seasonal fruit, nuts, or a glass of fresh buttermilk (chaas).
- Dinner (approx. 6-8 pm): A light, easily digestible meal such as khichdi with ghee or vegetable pulao with raita.
- Bedtime (if hungry): A final, small snack like a fresh fruit or a cup of warm milk with turmeric and nutmeg.
Dieting Myths vs. Rujuta Diwekar's Reality
| Common Dieting Myth | Rujuta Diwekar's Philosophy | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cut all carbs, especially rice. | Embrace healthy carbs. | She emphasizes that refined carbs and excess sugar are the problem, not complex carbs found in rice and millets. |
| Skip meals to lose weight faster. | Eat frequently. | Skipping meals slows metabolism and leads to overeating later. Regular, small meals keep energy stable and prevent crashes. |
| Fat is the enemy; choose low-fat options. | Healthy fats are essential. | She includes healthy fats like ghee and nuts, which are crucial for brain function, hormone regulation, and satiety. |
| Avoid traditional foods for Western 'superfoods'. | Go back to your roots. | Local, traditional foods are naturally aligned with the body's needs and are often more nutritious and sustainable than foreign options. |
| Rapid weight loss is ideal. | Consistency over perfection. | Sustainable, long-term change with gradual weight loss is more effective than drastic, short-term diets that often lead to rebound weight gain. |
Conclusion
By focusing on sustainable habits, mindful eating, and traditional Indian wisdom, Rujuta Diwekar has provided Kareena Kapoor with a fitness plan that is not only effective but also realistic and enduring. The success of this long-standing partnership is a testament to the power of a simple, disciplined, and home-cooked approach to health. Diwekar’s work shows that fitness is not about punishing the body with deprivation, but about nourishing it with respect and consistency. As Kareena Kapoor's example demonstrates, a deep-seated belief in a balanced diet combined with regular exercise yields the most significant and lasting results. For those seeking to follow a healthier path, Kareena Kapoor's journey, guided by Rujuta Diwekar, offers a refreshing and achievable blueprint.
Learn more about Diwekar's approach in her book Don't Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight.
