Ravi Kishan loses 18kg: Nutritionist explains why fruit-heavy diets need caution
New Delhi: Actor and Member of Parliament Ravi Kishan says changing his eating habits helped him lose 18kg, taking his weight from 90kg to 72kg. The 57-year-old actor says his weight had increased while managing political responsibilities and travelling to his Gorakhpur constituency, but he has now returned to a more fruit-heavy eating pattern.
However, his approach does not mean that a fruit-only diet is suitable for everyone. Hindustan Times quoted Nutritionist Rashi Chahal, who cautions that fruits can be part of a healthy diet but cannot replace the protein, fats and other nutrients provided by a balanced meal.
Diet changes help Kishan lose weight
Kishan’s physical transformation has also been influenced by his changing screen roles. He believes food plays a major role in weight management, particularly as people get older. The Hindustan Times quoted him saying, “When you are in your 50s, it’s not easy, but food changes can help, as 70-80 per cent is what you eat and the rest is exercise.”
Although Kishan has spoken about eating fruits, he says his diet changes according to his schedule and workload. “It’s Mahadev’s blessing that he gives me the strength to be on a one-meal diet, intermittent fasting or exclusively on fruits,” Kishan said, as quoted by Hindustan Times. He added, “But I keep tweaking it to manage my political duties. These days, Parliament is in session, so I take soaked dry fruits and salad. As needed, I add protein, carbs and ghee too.”
His preferred fruits include avocado, kiwi, apples, bananas and oranges, along with fresh juices.
Fruits cannot replace complete meals
Fruits provide several micronutrients and can be an important part of a balanced eating pattern. However, nutritionist Rashi Chahal cautions that relying heavily on fruits does not provide everything the body needs.
Quoted by Hindustan Times, she explained that fruits can support digestion and the absorption or utilisation of other nutrients, but a complete diet also needs essential fats and proteins. A balanced meal should include cereals, pulses, dairy, vegetables and fruits.
Restrictive diets need caution
A highly restrictive eating pattern may not be appropriate for people with certain health conditions or nutritional needs. Chahal further told Hindustan Times that people with diabetes or kidney disease, pregnant or lactating women, older adults, those who are underweight, people taking medication and those with a history of eating disorders should avoid restrictive diets without medical supervision.
Celebrity diets not universal
Putting importance on exercise, Kishan was quoted by Hindustan Times, “But along with diet, you need to exercise regularly for muscle health.”
Chahal, however, describes a fruit-heavy restrictive diet as a short-term fad rather than a sustainable weight-loss strategy. She notes that an initial drop on such diets can include losses in water, glycogen and muscle, rather than body fat, and weight may return once normal eating resumes.
Her advice is particularly relevant when celebrity transformations become a reference point for others.