I focus on a diet rich in pulses, liquids, and fruits: Ssujata Mehta

Ssujata Mehta, who has won accolades for her performance in movies like Pratighat, Yateem, Kanwarlal, Pratigyabadh, Rajlakshmi, and Tyagi, to name a few, says nutrition is crucial in maintaining her physical fitness.   

She says, “I focus on a diet rich in pulses, liquids, and fruits, opting for whole fruits over juices due to their fiber content. I also eat nuts and avoid fried foods, especially considering the humid Mumbai weather, which isn't conducive to heavy, deep-fried meals.” “Occasionally, I indulge in batata vada, but I've significantly reduced my intake of oily foods. My diet also includes plenty of raw vegetables, salads, soups, and early dinners, which help me maintain my body, energy, and stamina,” she added.   

Though she never had to undergo any dietary or regimen change, she said even if she had to, she would have focused on working out rather than opting for a diet. She said, “I haven’t had to undergo any significant changes for a particular role. If I ever needed to look slimmer, I’d focus on exercise rather than resorting to a crash diet, as that can eventually take a toll on your face.”   “It’s important to stay healthy and lose weight in a healthy way. In any of my roles, I haven’t needed to make drastic changes. I maintain my fitness through walking, yoga, exercise, and a controlled diet. Starving is not healthy, and I don’t believe in it,” she added. 

Ssujata is a vegan and always carries some fruits and her vegan milk with herself always. She said, “There’s no need to starve, and I believe that where there’s a will, there’s a way. A great example is Akshay Kumar, who has his dinner by 5:30 PM—a challenging practice, but one I aspire to adopt. It boosts your stamina and energy, prevents sluggishness, and keeps your mind and body fresh so you can give your best.” “I also carry nuts, my own meals, soup, khichdi, and kada with me. Even before COVID, I always drank kada. Since I love butter and ghee, I’ve found vegan alternatives because they’re important for your body too. I can maintain a controlled diet, but starving is not an option for me,” she added.   She also revealed some of her food habits and said, “I've always been a moderate eater. When I used to go on shoots, my mother would prepare meals for me, and I'd have my dinner around 7 PM, usually enjoying homemade food. While I'm not picky about eating out—I love bhel; however, I prefer to make my own pani puri. I stick to regular meal times, doing my best to maintain consistent lunch and dinner schedules.”   

“I'm very mindful of my eating habits, paying close attention to both the quality and quantity of my food. I also try to avoid spicy foods. I used to eat very spicy food, but now I've reduced my intake of red chili powder, opting for green chilies instead since they provide vitamin C,” she added. Ssujata believes that actors have a responsibility to promote healthy living and nutrition through their public platforms. She said, “When people look at us, they admire and appreciate how we present ourselves, and we inspire them. Many people ask me how I maintain my fitness, and I'm always happy to share tips—there’s no secret. I tell them to eat everything, but not to overeat. Moderation is key in everything, and it's important to control your food habits and stick to regular meal times.”   

“Reducing junk food intake is also essential. I remember performing in Gujarat when a channel called for an interview during lunch. I told them I could come after my meal, but since it was a live telecast, they asked me to come in half an hour. So, I gave the interview while eating lunch, and I see nothing wrong with that as my lunch timings are important to me,” she ended.