Celebrated for her body positivity, Bhumi Pednekar, known for Thank You for Coming, lost over 30 kg after her debut film. Discover her weight loss journey and the methods she used.
Despite being among the fittest actors in Hindi cinema, the Dum Laga ke Haisha star has always been an advocate of body positivity. Bhumi Pednekar’s weight loss for her debut film was the thing that helped her make headlines, but she never gave into the unrealistic body standards the show business had for women and stayed true to herself.
What we love about her approach to health and fitness is that Bhumi Pednekar lays heavy emphasis on optimal nutrition and strengthening exercises. She makes lifestyle choices that make her feel healthier and not just look thinner. Now without further ado, let’s jump into this article.
Who Is Bhumi Pednekar?
Before her acting career, Bhumi Pednekar worked as an assistant casting director at Yash Raj Films. Her debut in Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015) required her to gain 30 kg to play the role of an overweight newlywed, which she did with gusto. This bold move established her as a champion of body positivity and earned her acclaim, including a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Pednekar has continued to captivate audiences with her versatile roles in films with social messages, such as Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017), Bala (2019), Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019), Saand Ki Aankh (2019), and Badhaai Do (2022). Her recent film, Thank You for Coming, though not a box office hit, showcased her versatility and passion for exploring diverse roles.
Bhumi Pednekar’s Weight Loss Post “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”
After her debut, Pednekar embarked on a journey of self-improvement without succumbing to extreme diets. She focused on nutrition and overall fitness, shedding more weight than she had gained for the film. She rejects the term “thin,” preferring to measure her health by a healthy waist-to-hip ratio. Bhumi Pednekar’s approach to fitness emphasizes strength and well-being over mere appearance.
Insights from Bhumi Pednekar’s Weight Loss Meal Plan
Bhumi Pednekar never gave in to fad diets and would consume simple, home-cooked meals to lose weight. The following are some healthy diet and lifestyle choices that Pednekar made to lose weight and stay in shape.
1. Never Skipping Breakfast:
One thing Bhumi Pednekar made sure of in her diet was never skipping breakfast. She believes breakfast to be a very important meal in the day, as it supplies much energy for her hectic schedule ahead.
Research demonstrates the adverse health effects of skipping breakfast such as compromised memory, poor attention, increased cortisol levels, issues in weight, poor performance, etc. Contrarily, having a nutritious meal in the morning showed positive effects such as sustained energy levels, improved mood, better productivity, and optimal weight management.
2. Avoiding Excess Carbohydrates for Dinner:
Instead of skipping breakfast in the morning, the Shubh Mangal Saavdhan actor prefers avoiding carbohydrates for dinner. After all, carbohydrates are more ideal to consume when the body needs instant energy, which is usually not required before bedtime. Pednekar also likes to start her day with a glass of warm water — a healthy habit, which has been proven to flush out toxins in the gut and increase metabolic rate.
3. Reducing Sugar Intake:
Another excellent lifestyle choice that the actor made is to cut back on refined sugar as much as possible — it doesn’t matter if it is brown sugar or white sugar, it is only taste and empty calories — as per the actor. As healthier alternatives, she prefers natural sweeteners such as maple syrup, coconut sugar, and raw honey to satisfy her sweet tooth.
Research published on ScienceDirect underlines the benefits of natural sweeteners over refined sugar as they contain bioactive compounds, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and even fiber in some cases (such as fresh fruits and dates).
4. Staying Hydrated:
The Toilet: Ek Prem Katha star consumes at least six to seven liters of water every day. Drinking lots of water every day is a healthy practice that improves gut health and skin health, optimizes hunger, improves cognition and heart health, and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Another study infers that increased hydration may have something to do with weight loss, too. To help her stay hydrated and feel refreshed, Pednekar would often consume detox drinks comprising cucumber slices, lemon, mint, and some fresh water.
The following are some specific healthy meals that Bhumi Pednekar would consume to maintain good health.
- Breakfast: Gluten-free bread with an omelet, muesli with skimmed milk, or upma.
- Lunch: Multigrain roti with pulses, veggies, and buttermilk, or grilled chicken with kale pesto.
- Dinner: Protein options with a generous salad.
- Snacks: Fruits with almonds and walnuts.
Since 2020, Bhumi Pednekar has been a vegetarian and was honored as PETA India’s Most Beautiful Vegetarian Celebrity in 2021.
Insights from Bhumi Pednekar’s Exercise Routine
Bhumi Pednekar’s workout regimen includes:
- Running: Enhances cardiovascular health and helps prevent various diseases.
- Swimming: Improves strength, mood, and reduces stress.
- Functional Training with Weights: Includes exercises like weighted squats and lunges.
- Strength Training Exercises: Deadlifts, shoulder presses, and bicep curls.
- Pilates: Boosts flexibility and muscle strength.
- Stretching: Aids in muscle recovery and overall function.
Pednekar values “break days” to allow her body to recover, maintaining a balanced and mindful approach to fitness.
Bhumi Pednekar’s Before and After Weight Loss
Before:
After:
Bhumi Pednekar’s weight loss journey highlights a balanced diet, strength-building exercises, and a commitment to self-care. Her resilience and dedication serve as an inspiring example for those pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
