Lara Dutta has followed a vegetarian lifestyle for nearly 16 years. She recently spoke about her wellness journey and how it aligns with her overall health. In a conversation with GlobalSpa Magazine, she shared insights into her daily routine, fitness approach, and relationship with food. She clarified that her decision to be vegetarian was a personal choice and not something she imposes on others. She believes it suits her body and has helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dutta admitted that maintaining a strict regimen is not always easy, especially when compared to her husband, Mahesh Bhupathi. His dedication to fitness and clean eating is a lifelong commitment, and she finds it exhausting at times. She described him as highly disciplined, someone who never skips a workout and remains focused on a structured diet. While she admires his consistency, she prefers a more relaxed approach.
For Dutta, moderation is key. She believes in enjoying life without adhering to extreme diets. She acknowledged that there are days when she wishes she were a few kilos lighter, but she generally feels content with her body. Rather than chasing drastic weight loss, she focuses on sustainable well-being.
She highlighted the impact of health choices made in early adulthood. She cautioned against the pressure to remain skinny in one’s 20s and 30s, as extreme dieting can have long-term consequences. She explained that as people enter their 40s, they experience a decline in muscle mass and a reduction in bone calcium. Those who deprive themselves in their youth may struggle with health issues later in life.
Her perspective is shaped by a desire to maintain strength and vitality as she ages. As a mother to a 12-year-old daughter, she wants to remain in the best possible health to be present for her child. She prioritizes balanced habits that will serve her well in the decades to come.
Dutta has never followed crash diets or extreme fitness trends. She believes that well-being is about developing habits that support long-term health rather than seeking quick fixes. Her approach is a blend of mindfulness, movement, and an understanding of what works for her body.
She also acknowledges that health is not a one-size-fits-all journey. While vegetarianism has benefited her, she does not expect others to follow the same path. She encourages people to listen to their bodies and make choices that align with their needs.
Dutta remains committed to self-care but does not believe in unrealistic expectations. She understands that achieving balance requires patience and a focus on sustainable habits. Her journey reflects her belief that good health is about consistency rather than extreme measures.
Her vegetarian lifestyle has been an essential part of her well-being. She finds that it provides her with energy and helps her maintain a sense of overall balance. While she admires Bhupathi’s unwavering discipline, she embraces a different approach that allows her to enjoy food while staying mindful of her health.
Dutta’s perspective on aging and wellness is rooted in long-term thinking. She recognizes that choices made in youth have lasting effects. She advocates for building a foundation of healthy habits rather than resorting to short-term solutions. Her goal is to maintain strength, stay active, and enjoy a fulfilling life without unnecessary restrictions.
She continues to inspire with her approach to health and self-care. Her commitment to moderation and mindful choices sets an example of how to embrace well-being without extremes. She remains focused on staying strong and maintaining her energy for years to come.
Lara Dutta also emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body rather than following trends blindly. She has seen many people jump from one diet to another, hoping for instant results, but she believes true health comes from understanding what works individually. For her, a plant-based diet provides sustained energy and keeps her feeling light and active throughout the day. She acknowledged that every person’s nutritional needs are different, and the key is to find a balance that supports overall well-being.
She recalled how her approach to food has changed over the years. In her younger days, she, too, experimented with fad diets, hoping for quick transformations. However, with time, she realized that restrictive eating often leads to unhealthy cycles of deprivation and bingeing. She now focuses on nourishing her body with wholesome foods rather than counting calories. This shift in perspective has made eating a much more enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Her fitness journey, too, has evolved alongside her dietary choices. While she has always maintained an active lifestyle, she has become more attuned to what her body needs as she ages. She no longer pushes herself through intense workouts just for the sake of it. Instead, she tailors her exercise routine to include activities that promote flexibility, strength, and endurance. Yoga and pilates remain her favorites, but she also incorporates strength training to support muscle health.
Despite her commitment to wellness, she does not believe in setting rigid rules. She allows herself occasional indulgences and does not feel guilty about enjoying a favorite dish. She believes that a healthy lifestyle should be sustainable, not restrictive. By focusing on mindful eating and movement, she has found a routine that keeps her both physically and mentally fit.
Dutta also shared that mental well-being plays a significant role in her approach to health. She has learned that stress and negativity can impact the body just as much as poor nutrition. Over the years, she has incorporated meditation and mindfulness into her daily routine to manage stress effectively. For her, true health is a combination of physical fitness, emotional balance, and mental clarity.
As she continues her journey, she hopes to inspire others to make choices that support long-term well-being. She encourages people to move beyond temporary diet trends and embrace a lifestyle that promotes strength, vitality, and happiness. For Dutta, being vegetarian is not just about food—it is a conscious decision to prioritize her health in a way that feels right for her.