MS Dhoni ate vegetarian food for a month, reveals Aakash Chopra; here’s what happens to the body when a non-vegetarian makes this dietary switch

Former Indian batsman and cricket commentator Aakash Chopra recently recollected his initial interactions with former Indian Men’s Cricket Team captain MS Dhoni when the latter was his roommate.

“MS and I go back extraordinarily. In 2004, there was an India A tour in Zimbabwe and Kenya. I had already played for India by then. There was a camp in Bangalore. When I reached the hotel, I was told that Mahendra Singh Dhoni was my roommate. I asked, ‘Where does he come from?’ I was told that he was from Ranchi. I had only heard of him once. I actually saw him playing at some domestic game, in the Deodhar Trophy, where he scored lots of runs. But that was it; I had never talked to him then. And then we were in Bengaluru, where we were roommates for a month, and that was a different Dhoni,” Chopra told Raj Shamani on his podcast.

Chopra recalled that Dhoni’s phone rang a lot, but he never answered it. “When I asked him what time he goes to sleep because we had to figure the time, he said, ‘Whenever you are comfortable, you can switch off the lights.’ Moreover, he was non-vegetarian and I was vegetarian, so it was not a great partnership. So when I asked him what he wanted to eat, he said, ‘Whatever you feel like eating.’ He never used to call for room service. He was just too shy. For one whole month he ate vegetarian food,” he recalled.

What’s your food choice like? (Source: Freepik)

Intrigued by Chopra’s revelation, we decided to ask an expert what happens to the body when a non-vegetarian makes a switch to vegetarian food for an entire month.

Suddenly switching to being a vegetarian from a non-vegetarian for a month can lead to drastic changes in your body, emphasised Jinal Patel, dietitian, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai.

“These changes become more visible as time passes by. Turning into a vegetarian means your diet becomes rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, lentils, and whole grains. These foods are jam-packed with essential nutrients like fibre that can help promote digestion and keep you full for a longer duration,” said Patel.

Over time, it can also stabilise your blood sugar levels, which can fluctuate when you eat processed meat, said Patel. “One may try to explore new dishes or food that they usually refrained from when they were a non-vegetarian eater,” she told indianexpress.com.

One of the primary benefits of this dietary shift is improved cardiovascular health, said Dr Prashant Sinha, head of emergency, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi. “A vegetarian diet tends to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Many patients report feeling lighter and more energetic as their digestion improves, thanks to the high fibre content,” said Dr Sinha.

According to Patel, one may also notice certain skin changes as the reduction of saturated fats present in meat or seafood makes the skin nourished and hydrated from within. “After a month, your body may get well-adjusted to vegetarian food while enhancing your taste palate,” said Patel.

Transitioning to a vegetarian diet may pose challenges, especially for those who have relied on animal-based proteins, contended Dr Sinha. “One of the main concerns is ensuring adequate protein intake. While plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and quinoa are excellent, they may not be as easily absorbed or provide the same quantity of complete proteins as meat or fish. This can lead to fatigue or muscle loss if not balanced properly. Therefore, careful meal planning is essential to ensure all essential amino acids are consumed,” said Dr Sinha.

Another potential issue is the reduced intake of certain nutrients commonly found in animal products, such as vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. “Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, and deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and neurological symptoms. Iron from plant sources, while available, is not as easily absorbed as the heme iron found in meat. Including iron-rich foods like spinach and fortified cereals, along with vitamin C-rich foods to aid absorption, can help mitigate this risk,” said Dr Sinha.

Adeeba Khanan, clinical dietitian, Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi shared that vegetarian diet can also help improve mental health as it improves sleep quality, and cognitive functions.

She also shared that plant-based diet sources tend to be cheaper too.

Ensure you take adequate protein (Source: Freepik)

If you are conscious about managing your weight, then having a vegetarian diet in smaller portion sizes can be helpful. “However, at some point, you may crave to eat non-vegetarian food but with persistent determination, these cravings won’t last more than a few hours,” said Patel.

In the long run, a balanced vegetarian diet can support weight management, reduce inflammation, and provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, stressed Dr Bhavana P, chief dietitian, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad.

In conclusion, while turning vegetarian for a month can offer numerous health benefits such as improved digestion, better heart health, and increased energy, it’s important to plan meals carefully to ensure the body gets all essential nutrients. “Consulting with a healthcare provider or nutritionist before making such changes can help avoid potential drawbacks,” said Dr Sinha.

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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