Suniel Shetty is turning 65, but the fitness levels of the actor are still being discussed. Known for keeping himself in excellent physical shape even after several years in the industry, Shetty has always said that his workout routine was not just about exercising. For him, what goes on the plate matters just as much.
In an interview with Nikhil Kamath three years ago, Shetty opened up about his diet, food allergies and the changes he made after understanding what worked for his body. Interestingly, his routine is not about complicated supplements or extreme restrictions. Instead, he focuses on foods that suit him, portion control, regular movement and consistency.
Suniel Shetty changed his diet after discovering food allergies
The actor revealed that he used to experience headaches towards the end of the day and eventually realised that the problem could be linked to his gut. As he underwent allergy testing over the years, Shetty discovered that gluten did not suit him. He explained that coming from a background where rice was more commonly eaten than wheat made it easier for him to return to foods that were familiar to his roots.
He later discovered that dairy products were also causing problems because of lactose. As a result, he switched to lactose-free milk and made further changes to his diet. Shetty said these discoveries encouraged him to take a more measured approach to his meals. He also began working with a nutritionist to understand his nutritional requirements and adjust his food according to his activity levels.
What does Suniel Shetty eat in a day?
For breakfast, Shetty said he usually has three to four egg whites. He prefers not to eat egg yolks and pairs the eggs with gluten-free bread or toast. His meals are not fixed in exactly the same quantities every day. The actor explained that he makes changes depending on how active he expects to be during the week.
He also follows a relatively controlled calorie intake. Shetty said he generally consumes around 1,600 to 1,700 calories a day, although this can go up to around 1,900 calories when he needs to increase his carbohydrate intake.
Rice is his preferred source of carbohydrates
Since gluten does not suit him, rice plays an important role in Shetty’s diet. He said his protein requirements are largely met through foods such as eggs, fish and chicken, while rice provides most of his carbohydrates. His approach is not about completely eliminating foods he enjoys either.
Shetty has openly said that he consumes salt and sugar, but keeps both in moderation. He enjoys tea and said he has one cup in the morning and another in the evening, with a small amount of sugar. When it comes to salt, he prefers adding it to his food according to his taste rather than having it mixed into his meals. He also said that regular salt works for him and that he does not use pink salt.
He doesn’t completely avoid desserts
One of the more relatable aspects of Shetty’s diet is that he does not believe in completely denying himself his cravings. The actor admitted that he likes having dessert after a meal and jokingly said that he can go “crazy” if he does not have it. However, portion control remains important.
When he wants something sweet, he may blend seasonal fruit with yoghurt and turn it into a frozen yoghurt or ice cream-style dessert. The idea is to enjoy the craving while being mindful of what and how much he is eating. This reflects his larger approach to food. Rather than following an extremely restrictive diet, Shetty focuses on moderation and choosing options that work for his body.
Suniel Shetty stays active beyond the gym
For Shetty, staying fit does not end with a workout session. The actor said he is usually done with dinner by around 7 pm. After eating, he tries to remain physically active, even if he has only 30 minutes available.
He walks after meals, takes the stairs and tries to keep moving when he is on set instead of spending long periods sitting in one place. He also practises pranayama three to four times a week and does breathing exercises in the evening.
His fitness philosophy is about consistency
One of the major lessons that can be learnt from Shetty’s method is the fact that Shetty’s training regime is personalised and not based on any universal recipe. He uses the services of nutritionists and experts to know how various foods affect him. He even changes his food according to his level of physical activity and his body’s needs.
Shetty’s method at the age of 65 proves the point that being fit does not necessarily mean following an elaborate diet plan or spending all the time in the gym. His way is more of having a balanced diet and exercise combined with portion control, but also making allowances for the occasional tea and dessert.
