‘Either have it in a lota or jug’: Jaideep Ahlawat says he ate 40 rotis, drank 1.5 litres of milk daily and never gained weight when he was young; is it sustainable? | Food-wine News

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Actor Jaideep Ahlawat recently opened up about his childhood eating habits and surprisingly fast metabolism, reflecting a time when physical activity easily balanced out hearty meals. “Until 2008, my weight never crossed 70 kgs, even though I am so tall. And I used to eat at least 40 rotis in a day because you are eating and burning it all,” Jaideep shared in an interview with Khaane mein kaun hai on YouTube.

Growing up in a village in Haryana, Jaideep recalls skipping lunch and eating straight from the farms — sugarcane, carrots, guavas, or whatever was in season.  He said, “In the morning, we would have chain or bajre ki rotior Bread Mission with lassibutter, chutney. Just that. And we would have dinner after that. Lunch was prepared but the idea was that in case someone is hungry they can have it, but this wasn’t a thing.”

Milk was a dietary staple, with Jaideep recalling, “Milk was an essential part of my life. Half a liter at least thrice a day. During those years when we were growing up, we weren’t allowed to have milk in a glass. Either have it in a lota or jug. And this was very common.”

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Even today, he prefers home-cooked food and rarely ends the day without it. “I have been in Mumbai for 15-16 years now, and I still like eating at home. Even when I go for parties, I come back home and eat my home-cooked food,” he said.

Effects of skipping structured meals during the day

Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator, tells indianexpress.com“Informal eating patterns, such as skipping lunch and grazing on raw fruits and vegetables from the farm, can provide adequate nutrition for children in active, rural settings — provided the overall diet remains diverse and sufficient in calories and essential nutrients.”

She adds that grazing on fresh produce offers fibre, vitamins, and minerals, which are beneficial for growth and health. “However, consistently skipping structured meals may risk inadequate intake of protein, healthy fats, and certain micronutrients if not balanced by other meals. For optimal growth and development, children should ideally consume regular, balanced meals that include a variety of food groups.”

Jaideep Ahlawat said he ate 40 rotis a day; is such a high-calorie intake sustainable?

Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator tells indianexpress.com, “Jaideep Ahlawat’s daily consumption of 40 rotis without gaining weight demonstrates energy balance principles where his substantial caloric intake meets his vigorous physical activity to maintain stable body weight. Young active individuals with rapid metabolic rates can counteract high calorie consumption through prolonged vigorous physical activity. The majority of individuals find this behavioural trend unsustainable and detrimental to their long-term well-being.”

Dependence on a singular food category such as rotis can cause nutrient shortfalls while simultaneously heightening metabolic problem risks. Malhotra suggests, “To achieve peak health and diabetes prevention one should engage in consistent moderate physical activity while consuming a balanced diet.”

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He mentioned drinking at least 1.5 litres of milk daily growing up — what are the benefits and potential downsides of consuming that much dairy regularly?

Malhotra notes, “Excessive milk intake can replace nutrient-dense foods in the diet which results in nutritional disparities. A daily intake of 2–3 milk servings (approximately 500–750 mL) meets most children’s health needs while balanced diets and moderate consumption remain essential.”

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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