Didn’t Work Out In A Year, Changed Her Diet: Vidya Balan Opens Up On Losing Weight By Removing Inflammatory Foods

When Bollywood actress Vidya Balan recently revealed the secrets behind her weight loss, it wasn't the usual story of rigorous exercise and intense dieting. Instead, she opened up about a gentle, yet transformative approach—an anti-inflammatory diet. Vidya’s experience has resonated widely, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of wellness and weight loss: the role of inflammation in managing body weight.

“All my life I have struggled to be thin,” Vidya shared candidly in an interview with Galatta India. For years, she had tried endless diets and relentless exercise routines, only to see temporary results. “No matter what I did, my weight was only increasing,” she added. But this year, her approach changed entirely.

Instead of intense workouts, Vidya turned to an anti-inflammatory diet curated by the nutritional group Amura. Through this dietary adjustment, she noticed weight loss and relief from the symptoms of inflammation, like bloating and fatigue, without ever stepping foot in a gym. In her words, “The weight went like that because they eliminated foods that were not suiting me.”

Vidya’s story challenges the belief that all vegetables and healthy foods are beneficial for everyone. Despite being vegetarian, she discovered that certain foods—such as spinach (palak) and bottle gourd (doodhi)—were not compatible with her body and contributed to inflammation.

Chronic inflammation is often at the root of stubborn weight gain, making it difficult for some to lose weight despite disciplined eating and regular exercise. According to experts, inflammation can lead to insulin resistance, hinder metabolism, and make the body more prone to storing fat, all of which contribute to weight gain.

When inflammation occurs, our immune system responds to what it perceives as a threat—this could be anything from stress and allergens to unsuitable foods. The response is a mix of physical reactions: increased blood flow, swelling, and the activation of immune cells, which can linger and cause chronic inflammation if not resolved.

The anti-inflammatory diet, as recommended by Harvard Nutrition Source, helps calm the immune system by choosing foods that reduce inflammation. This dietary approach encourages a balance of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and other nutrient-dense foods while avoiding those that trigger inflammation.

Contrary to popular belief, inflammation isn’t always bad; it’s a natural immune response that helps heal the body. For example, we feel pain at an injury site to signal caution, and blood flow increases, causing warmth or redness to repair tissues. Problems arise when inflammation persists, leading to various health issues—including weight gain.

Here’s a look at the foods Vidya might have included in her anti-inflammatory diet and the specific benefits they offer:

- Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, foods like berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower) help neutralize free radicals that cause cell damage.

- Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, reducing insulin spikes that may lead to inflammation. Choices include oats, brown rice, and quinoa.

- Monounsaturated fats, like those in avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, support heart health and reduce inflammation markers.

- Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) and plant sources like walnuts and chia seeds are excellent anti-inflammatory agents.

- Ingredients like turmeric and ginger have natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Regular use of these spices adds flavor and potential health benefits.

- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) and green tea contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation markers.

Just as important as adding anti-inflammatory foods is limiting those that can fuel inflammation:

- Soft drinks, sweetened juices, and energy drinks lead to blood sugar spikes, which can trigger inflammatory responses.

- Processed carbs like white bread, pastries, and refined pasta can increase blood sugar and inflammation.

- Foods like bacon, sausage, and other processed meats contain preservatives that may lead to inflammatory responses in the body.

- Full-fat dairy products, fatty cuts of meat, and oils high in trans fats should be minimized to support heart and metabolic health.

Vidya’s journey also highlights the importance of respecting our individual needs. “A lot of times, people put on weight for various reasons…our bodies express what we are going through emotionally,” she said, emphasizing the relationship between mental health and physical wellness. Through her own experiences, Vidya learned to let go of strict workout routines and trust her body’s needs.

When people asked her about her “secret,” Vidya’s answer was simple: “I am just enjoying myself and feeling healthier than ever.” Her approach advocates for understanding one’s unique body requirements and not following someone else’s routine blindly.

In addition to diet, other lifestyle factors also help reduce inflammation. Regular exercise, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can complement the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet, resulting in a healthier, more balanced life.

Vidya’s journey is a testament to the power of personalized health strategies and the potential impact of reducing inflammation on weight and overall well-being. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder to honor our bodies, embrace individuality, and focus on long-term wellness over fleeting fitness fads.