Someone has rightly said, “We are what we eat.” And actor and runner Milind Soman has proven it time and again. He has once again proved that age is just a number after swimming from Europe to Africa at the age of 60. On May 1, Milind Soman showed the world why he continues to inspire generations with his dedication to fitness. According to reports, he completed an open-water swim across the Strait of Gibraltar, one of the world’s toughest stretches to swim, known for its strong currents, changing tides, and heavy ship traffic. He covered approximately 15 kilometers from Europe to Africa. According to his Instagram post, he swam from Tarifa in Spain to the coast of Morocco, on May 1, covering roughly 15 kilometers. And when it comes to such fitness levels and energy, your daily food habits play a key role. Scroll down to read about the one dish that gives him all in just one bowl.
Milind Soman’s source of nutrition
According to Milind Soman’s 2016 interview, he has never supported protein bars and supplements. In an interview with Mashable India he mentioned that he gets all that his body needs from Dal Khichdi. Answering the question on protein supplements, he said, “I get everything from Dal Khichdi…Dal Khichdi is my favorite food.”
What else does he eat?
According to his interview with Pinkvilla, his daily breakfast includes nuts, one papaya, one melon, any seasonal fruit like mangoes or grapes. For lunch, which is around 2 pm, includes rice and dal khichdi with local and seasonal vegetables. On days he is not eating rice, he prefers 6 chapatis with vegetables and dal. For evening snacks, he prefers a cup of black tea, sweetened with jaggery. And according to his Instagram post, his dinner at 7 pm includes a plate of vegetables/bhaji. If very hungry, he adds some khichdi. In his post he has also mentioned that if he eats dessert, it is mostly sweetened with jaggery and completely avoids sugar. And before sleeping, he prefers to have some turmeric in hot water, sweetened with jaggery.
What makes Dal Khichdi a complete meal?
Dal Khichdi is often referred to as a light or recovery meal, but at the same time it is also a nutritionally balanced, wholesome dish that can stand on its own as a complete meal. Perfect protein combination: Using rice and dal together makes for a complete protein profile, which is good for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. Easy to digest: It is easy to digest and is gentle on the stomach. It is proven to provide all essential nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and small amounts of fats, which gives energy and keeps you active. Rich in vitamins and minerals: Khichdi is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, if you add veggies like carrots, peas, spinach, or beans to it. Balanced mix of macronutrients: A well-prepared khichdi is rich in carbohydrates, protein and fats. This balance helps maintain steady energy levels, prevents sudden blood sugar spikes, and keeps you full for longer.
How to add more protein to khichdi
Mix multiple dals: Instead of using just one dal, play with a variety of dals. Use toor, chana, and even urad and cook it along with rice. It is said that each dal brings a different amino acid profile, making the dish nutritionally richer. Add paneer for a creamy boost: We all know that for vegetarians, paneer is a rich source of protein. Adding 50–70 grams of paneer cubes to your khichdi can easily raise its protein content. Include sprouts for clean protein: 1 medium bowl of sprouts offers 12–18 grams of protein. Simply add a handful of lightly steamed sprouts towards the end of cooking and it will add crunch and extra protein to your khichdi.
