A simple scroll through Milind Soman’s social media page will reflect his love for simple food and dedication to fitness. But it’s not something new; in an episode of Ek Din Ek Jeevan, hosted by Tavleen Singh on STAR Plus, the model-turned-actor once shared some insight into his diet tailored to his specific needs and goals during his supermodel days.
Inside a supermodel’s diet
“I don’t drink tea or coffee. The first thing I have is fruit juice. From a young age, I did not develop a habit of drinking tea or coffee. I recall reading somewhere in my childhood that these are bad for one’s health. Usually, models drink a lot of tea and coffee, maybe even 15 to 20 cups a day. They smoke cigarettes and consume alcohol – because of stress, maybe, people get into these habits,” shared Soman.
When asked if he eats bread and eggs for breakfast, he revealed that he doesn’t. “I don’t. I will only have something like puri bhaji when good fruits are not available, if I am travelling. But rarely; I don’t really eat fried food,” he said, adding that he eats very little meat, too. The reason? “I used to be a sportsperson till grade 10, I was into competitive swimming, so my diet was particular,” revealed Soman.
But is it safe to start your day with fruit juice?
Dr Lata Patil, a general physician at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, stated that consuming fruit juice on an empty stomach can have detrimental effects on one’s health. According to her, the concentrated sugar in juice can cause a blood sugar spike followed by a crash, leaving you tired and hungry sooner. “Fruit juice’s acidity can also harm tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities,” she added. Instead of having it as the first thing, she suggested drinking fruit juice alongside or after a meal.
Regarding the impact of drinking tea and coffee with meals on digestion, Dr Vikas Jindal, Consultant, Department of Gastroenterology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told Indianexpress.com that it may prevent the body from absorbing essential minerals, such as iron, “which could eventually result in deficiencies.”
Apart from concerns regarding iron absorption, drinking beverages with meals can dilute stomach acid, which is crucial for proper digestion. This could limit food breakdown and nutritional absorption, ultimately impacting overall digestion and nutrient absorption, he added.
According to Dr Jindal, it is best to drink water with meals rather than tea or coffee to maximise digestion and absorption of nutrients. He also advised waiting at least an hour before consuming them, in case they really want to.
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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.
