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Shoaib Ibrahim, who is spending some quality family time with his wife, Dipika Kakar, recently opened up about his diet in a family vlog. Responding to Dipika making fun of him for eating a ‘bizarre’ combination of uttapam with sambar and omelette, Shoaib said, “Actually, for the past few days, since I have come back from the hospital (after Dipika’s stay)…I was having chai paratha or omelette paratha. But sab bol rahe the weak hogaye ho (everyone was saying that I looked weak). After a month, I decided to stop this habit and return to my diet. So, now I am eating uttapam, sambar, omelette…”
Dipika chipped in, “You don’t always eat so much…” to which Shoaib said, “I got bored of eating omelette every day…but you need to eat because egg…protein…Since I am not going to the gym at the moment, I am only getting protein from food. My protein is only from the omelette, made from 3-4 eggs without the yolk. So, I thought, let me have it today with sambar and uttapam.”
Reacting, Dipika said with a hint of laughter, “Till today, I was the one being pulled up for enjoying bizarre combinations…now it is him. Uttapam with omelette and sambar…I have never heard of this combination, let alone eat it…and he is relishing it in front of me.”
But is it a good way to meet the body’s daily protein needs?
Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant dietitian and certified diabetes educator, said Shoaib’s meal of uttapam, sambar, and a 3–4 egg white omelette provides a good balance of protein and nutrients for non-active days.
“Egg whites supply about 10–14g of high-quality protein, complemented by plant-based protein from lentils in sambar and fermenting batter in uttapam, totalling around 14–22g per meal. This is generally sufficient for sedentary individuals whose protein needs are lower (about 0.8g/kg body weight),” said Malhotra.
However, she pointed out that relying solely on egg whites may limit intake of essential micronutrients found in yolks.
“Incorporating varied protein sources and whole foods ensures balanced nutrition, especially when not engaged in intensive exercise. Thus, focusing on protein diversity over quantity, and maintaining enjoyable, nutrient-rich meals, supports recovery and long-term health better than repetitive, narrow food choices. This approach is more sustainable and aligned with healthy eating principles,” said Malhotra.
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.