You don’t need to starve yourself through a gruelling diet to lose weight. In an interview with dietician Rujuta Diwekar, actress Karisma Kapoor explained that diets need not be punishing and how she lost 25 kilos once by eating a staple Indian favourite- fish curry and rice every night.

The ‘Raja Hindustani’ star said her friends were skeptical about her weight loss and asked her why she was having calorie rich food every night. “You taught me to eat right, to eat what I like, eat carbs and lose weight the correct way..” She said that now she advises people not to starve themselves to lose weight and limit themselves to dishes such as nimbu paani and leaves.

She also thanked Rujuta for letting her have their favourite fruits such as chiku, banana (fruits that are considered ‘bad’ by weight watchers as they are high in sugar), as those were nutritious and improved energy levels.

“She added, “It has become a way of life for me, and I endorse it wherever I go. I tell people to not starve themselves and resort to Nimbu Paani (lemonade) and some leaves, etc. That kind of weight will all come back.”

Speaking about her preferred snack choices, Kapoor said that poha, prepared with a generous amount of green chillies, is one of her favourites. She added that vegetable-loaded upma is an even more nutritious alternative because it combines wholesome ingredients with plenty of fibre and flavour. According to her, these traditional Indian dishes are satisfying enough to prevent cravings and make healthy eating enjoyable rather than restrictive.

She emphasised that following a fitness-focused lifestyle does not require giving up familiar homemade foods or surviving on bland options such as plain boiled carrots and cucumbers. Instead, she believes people can continue enjoying delicious, everyday Indian meals prepared at home while staying committed to their health and fitness goals. In her view, a balanced diet built around nutritious home-cooked food is both sustainable and satisfying.

Rujuta Diwekar is a popular celebrity dietician. She rose to fame when Kareena Kapoor Khan credited her for her lean, size zero physique in the 2008 film Tashan.