What are the benefits of eating less of non-vegetarian food?

"My mother-in-law and Govinda liked what I made. I used to make palak paneer, bhindi, toor dal, and toor dal with palak," said Sunita Ahuja.

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | November 17, 2025 09:30 AM IST

3 min read

Sunita Ahuja talks about her food choices (Photo: Sunita Ahuja/Instagram)

Sunita Ahuja recently spoke about her dietary preferences, sharing that she limits the intake of non-vegetarian food. “I don’t eat non-vegetarian food on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. I only get to eat non-vegetarian food on Wednesdays and Fridays. But I don’t eat non-vegetarian food a lot. I have almost given up. But sometimes, Yash (son) takes me out, and he is very fond of Chinese. So, then I eat. But I am not that roz mujhe chahiye….I am quite happy with vegetarian foods,” Ahuja, 57, said.

Listing her favourite foods, she stressed her preference for home-cooked, simple meal. “Dal chawal and bhindi sabzi…or aloo bhujia. But I can’t eat potatoes a lot because I have diabetes. I am very happy with aloo bhujia, roti, and moong ki dal. And I also need my pickle and papad,” she told Pinkvilla.

Reflecting on her culinary journey, she shared that she learnt cooking at the age of 16. “I have cooked a lot when I got married. My mother-in-law and Govinda liked what I made. I used to make palak paneer, bhindi, toor dal, and toor dal with palak. So, I have learnt everything because I knew he is a foodie.”

Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said that Sunita Ahuja is likely reflecting a balanced, mindful approach to nutrition instead of strict avoidance as a diabetic. “Health isn’t about extremes; it’s about balance. Choosing lean meats like fish or chicken, cooking them in healthier ways, and avoiding deep-fried or processed options can make a big difference. Pairing non-veg dishes with fibre-rich vegetables, lentils, or whole grains also helps with better digestion and heart health,” said Sheikh.

Sunita got married to Govinda at a young age (Photo: Sunita Ahuja/Instagram)

What are the benefits of eating less non-vegetarian food?

Cutting down on non-veg meals can improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and aid in weight management. According to Sheikh, many people feel lighter and more energetic when their diet includes more plant-based foods. “It’s also a sustainable choice; plant-based diets are better for the environment and use fewer natural resources.”

What does a healthy ‘balanced plate’ look like for someone who eats non-veg occasionally?

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A good rule of thumb is that half your plate should be vegetables and salads, one-quarter whole grains like brown rice or millets, and one-quarter protein, whether that’s chicken, fish, eggs, or plant-based options like lentils and tofu.

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“Add a portion of fruit and stay hydrated. The key takeaway is that variety and moderation always beat restriction,” said Sheikh.

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.

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