Six Months of Idli–Sambar and Dinner at 5:30 PM: How Anushka Sharma Stays Fit Even After Two Children
Six Months of Idli–Sambar and Dinner at 5:30 PM: How Anushka Sharma Stays Fit Even After Two Children
Maintaining fitness after motherhood is often considered challenging, but Anushka Sharma proves that consistency and mindful choices can make a lasting difference. Known for her disciplined lifestyle, the actress continues to stay fit and balanced even after welcoming her daughter Vamika and son Akaay. Along with her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli, Anushka is often admired for leading a health-focused life rooted in simple habits rather than extreme measures.
After becoming a mother, Anushka consciously reshaped her daily routine. She spoke about these lifestyle changes during a conversation with designer Masaba Gupta, where she explained how motherhood naturally pushed her towards better structure, especially when it came to sleep and meal timings.
Talking about her early nights, Anushka once shared that sleeping early became a habit because of her daughter. “Initially, it was just Vamika and me who followed an early sleep routine. Over time, the entire household adjusted to it,” she said, explaining how this change positively impacted her overall well-being.
A vegetarian by choice, Anushka’s diet focuses largely on fresh fruits and vegetables. She prefers keeping her meals clean, simple, and home-cooked, avoiding outside food and anything stale or overly processed.
Her day usually begins with either toast or fresh fruits. Before lunch, she makes sure to hydrate herself with lemon water or coconut water. Lunch is a wholesome, traditional affair consisting of chapati, dal, vegetables, and salad — foods commonly found in Indian households but prepared mindfully.
Seasonal fruits form her evening snack, while dinner is kept light and early. Her night meals generally include salad, a bowl of soup, and rice-based dishes.
Explaining her daily schedule, Anushka once said, “My mornings start between 5:30 and 6 am. I eat lunch around 11 am and finish my dinner by 5:30 in the evening. Earlier, after dinner, I would wonder what to do next since I was alone at home. Eventually, I trained myself to sleep early instead. Gradually, this routine started showing benefits — my sleep improved, mornings felt fresher, and mental stress reduced. I never read this anywhere; it happened naturally because of Vamika, and now it’s a part of my life.”
In an interview with Brut India, Anushka also opened up about food cravings during pregnancy. She admitted that her experience was different from what many expect. “I didn’t really have many cravings during pregnancy. The only thing I genuinely wanted was vada pav,” she said. Sharing her approach towards food, she added, “When you strongly feel like eating something, you shouldn’t overthink it. Just eat it — but with balance. Excess of anything isn’t good. If I want chole bhature, I’ll eat it. If I feel like having vada pav or bhajiyas, I won’t stop myself. Moderation is the key.”
Anushka also revealed that she doesn’t mind eating the same food repeatedly if she enjoys it. “There was a phase when I ate khichdi and baingan bharta for dinner for an entire month. Similarly, I once had idli–sambar for breakfast continuously for six months. Eating food you love also keeps your mind happy,” she explained. Along with this, she ensures she drinks nearly 3 to 4 litres of water daily.
Being vegan, Anushka completely avoids dairy products. Her diet excludes gluten, sugar, milk, and all dairy-based items. Instead of wheat, she prefers rotis made from rajgira (amaranth), bajra (pearl millet), or jowar (sorghum). Alongside a balanced diet, regular exercise remains an important part of her lifestyle.
