Genelia D’Souza, now 37, has made a big change in her lifestyle by switching to a completely plant-based (vegan) diet. She shared her journey on the Pretty Healthy with Dr. Priti podcast, revealing how she moved from being a vegetarian to going fully vegan. She now swears by this diet not only for health reasons but also for maintaining a fit and toned body.
From Vegetarian to Vegan
Genelia became a vegetarian in 2017 and eventually gave up all animal products, including milk and dairy. Today, she follows a vegan lifestyle and believes it has made her feel more energetic and balanced. However, she admitted it wasn’t easy in the beginning. “It takes time to adjust,” she said. “You need to plan your meals well, especially to get enough protein.”
The Power of Tofu
One food Genelia loves and recommends is tofu. She calls it a great source of plant-based protein, which is also low in fat and cholesterol-free. “Tofu is a nutrient-rich food. It’s not supposed to be like paneer, but it can be delicious if you cook or marinate it well,” she said.
Instead of the traditional palak paneer, Genelia now eats palak tofu—a vegan version of the popular Indian dish. “Tofu is just as powerful as meat when it comes to protein,” she added. “Why wouldn’t you choose something that’s healthy, light, and still tasty?”
Busting the Protein Myth
There’s a common belief that you can’t get enough protein on a plant-based diet, but Genelia strongly disagrees. “That’s a myth,” she said. “Even a banana has 1 gram of protein. I’ve lifted 100 kg on a plant-based diet!” She believes the key is smart planning and choosing protein-rich plant foods like lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, and of course, tofu.
Indian Food Makes Vegan Life Easy
One of the best parts of going vegan, according to Genelia, is that the Indian diet already supports a balanced way of eating. “There’s so much variety in Indian cooking. With all the spices and flavors, you can make any food taste good,” she said.
She added that whether you’re vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or vegan, the most important thing is mindful eating. Genelia plans her meals a month in advance and believes that’s what helps her stay healthy and strong.
