‘I am being vegetarian now’: Priyanka Chopra Jonas shares her go-to meals when in India and the US; here’s why they are good for you

“Now when I’m in the US, I am usually not a sandwich person. I don’t like sandwiches, but I always like roast fish with veggies. I love a good, fresh salad,” she added.

Soup

Many like to begin their meals with a bowl of scrumptious and filling soup. But, turns out, apart from being an appetiser, beginning a meal with soup also has several health benefits!

Delhi-based nutritionist Pooja Bohra shared some benefits to starting your meals with a warm vegetable soup:

*It is a high source of fluids.
*Soups are healthy and nutritious.
*Soup preserves its nutritional value.
*They are full of healthy fibres.
*Soups are rich in taste.
*It is a powerhouse of antioxidants.
*Soups fill up the volume in your stomach.
*It leaves less room for more calorie-dense food item

Priyanaka Chopra loves eating salads (Source: Freepik)

Curd

Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, tells indianexpress.com, “Regular consumption of curd after lunch can significantly alter gut microbiota composition due to its probiotic content, primarily Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. These live cultures enhance beneficial bacterial populations, improving microbial diversity and suppressing harmful bacteria.

According to her, the lactic acid bacteria in curd strengthens gut barrier function, reduces inflammation, and promotes short-chain fatty acid production, which supports colon health. Curd’s probiotics also improve nutrient absorption, reduce bloating, and may lower the risk of inflammatory bowel conditions by balancing gut flora.

However, pairing curd with spicy dishes may not be suitable for all. The contrast in temperature between cold curd and hot spices could lead to digestive discomfort, particularly in individuals with sensitive stomachs. “There is no evidence suggesting that the combination is harmful. However, some individuals with sensitive stomachs might experience discomfort due to the contrasting temperatures,” she added.

Salads

Sushma PS, chief dietitian, Jindal Naturecure Institute said that salads are alkaline foods that serve as a preventive measure against acid accumulation within the body, supporting gentle detoxification processes. “The consumption of a salad promotes gastrointestinal health by incorporating ingredients characterised by low acidity levels and rich fibre, vitamin, and mineral content, which are essential for digestive well-being,” said Sushma.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.