Arjun Kapoor had an astonishing bodily makeover before making his debut in 2012 with Ishaqzaade. If his life had been a movie, it would have been where the credits would have rolled. But the truth was more complicated. Forming and sustaining a healthy relationship with food does not happen overnight; it involves tenacity, drive, and discipline. Kapoor has learnt to use food for nourishment rather than comfort throughout the years. His endurance story is an encouragement to many people who are still struggling with weight and body image concerns.
Arjun Kapoor’s Diet in Real Life
Kapoor’s diet has changed dramatically in the two years he has been eating with Neat Meals Company.
Akshay Arora developed the kitchen, which delivers nutrient-rich and globally inspired dishes expertly produced by well-trained chefs after being assessed by nutritionists. We chatted with Arora about Kapoor’s actual diet, his approach to healthy eating, and the impact nutrition plays in his exercise transformations.
How has Kapoor’s relationship with food altered and grown since he began relying on you for his meals?
AA: Arjun has been dining with us for around two years. When we initially arrived, I realised he was looking for comfort in food. He admitted to me that he had a habit of overindulging during times of stress. We were both aware that overcoming these emotional and psychological challenges would be difficult, yet Arjun and I were ready to take on this challenge with all our hearts.
Arjun is a gourmet who enjoys excellent quality American diner food. Packaged junk food is not appealing to him. We used to experiment a lot with his diet at first, even permitting cheat meals once every ten days. But there came a moment when he resolved to only cheat on his diet when he met a goal he’d set for himself. Around this time, he had also begun to monitor his own meals. He’d started thinking of food as fuel, and that was the most powerful adjustment. He lasted 21 days without eating a cheat meal if I’m not incorrect.
What are his normal meals consist of?
AA: Arjun’s diet consists mostly of four clean meals each day, totalling 1200 kcal. He often eats an egg-based or protein smoothie-based breakfast. His protein-rich breakfast aids in keeping him full. His meals are often well-balanced. He consumes protein pancakes, protein toast, turkey lettuce wraps, and other foods high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for snacks. His dinners are often lower in carbohydrates and higher in fibre and protein.
Does he indulge on occasion? What are they made of?
AA: Pizza, croque monsieur and carbonara pasta, mac n cheese, lamb galouti, and butter chicken are his cheat foods.
Is there anything he’s eliminated from his diet? What are the advantages of doing so?
AA: He avoids processed foods, refined sugars, refined wheat, dairy, very acidic meals, goitrogens, and other similar substances. These aid him in lowering inflammatory indicators, preventing illness development, and improving disease management.
According to his Instagram, he has been working hard on his fitness in recent months. How has his nutrition aided him in reaching his fitness goals?
AA: One of the most significant aspects of any type of physical change is nutrition. Arjun’s diet allows him to perform and recuperate during and after his exercises.
We ensure that he is in a reasonable calorie deficit, which will assist him in slimming down without jeopardising his health. Drew Neal, Arjun’s fitness trainer, deserves credit for his involvement in this trip for both Arjun and me. This has been a collaborative endeavour, and Drew has aided us in ways other than training. He has assisted Arjun on days when he was feeling down, and it has made a significant impact.
Kapoor has previously admitted to struggling with weight. After working with him and assisting him in developing a healthy eating strategy, how do you believe others who are struggling with this issue might break free from such a cycle?
AA: Obesity is commonly induced in India by a lack of understanding about the link between food and the body. When you think about it, the human body is nothing more than a pile of food that we have consumed throughout the years. Food is in charge of the most vital activities of the human brain and body. The key for persons battling with obesity is to recognise that the weight loss process is not difficult – in fact, it is extremely simple.
To shed one kilogramme of weight, you must establish a calorie deficit of 7,700 calories. So, if you want to lose one kilogramme every week, you must establish a 1,000-calorie deficit every day. This is entirely feasible. The true conflict is one of the minds. One must begin to love their own body and focus on eating in proper portions while avoiding overindulgence. It’s OK to count calories, but don’t forget that food is much more than that, including the fact that it nourishes and nurtures you.