Bhuvneshwar Kumar shares his vegetarian diet, protein requirement: ‘Once, I was told not to eat dal…’ | Food-wine News

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who recently became the first Indian pacer to play 300 T20s, opened up about his protein needs, sticking to an all-vegetarian diet, and what led him to follow a strict meal plan. The Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer shared that there was a time, around 2-3 years ago, when he couldn’t do without a bed coffee. “But I didn’t have good gut health, so I completely stopped tea and coffee. I now drink, maybe, once a week but very rarely. I have only normal milk coffee. But I feel bloated as it feels like an extra food,” he said.
He added that it’s been 3-4 years since he started following a restricted dietitian-approved diet. “My dietitian gave me a diet plan in which I had to avoid many things. I had to go gluten-free. I had to avoid dairy. I was also told not to eat dal because it could have been the reason for the bloating. I had stopped all these things for a year. Now, I consume a few restricted items sometimes but only outside home,” Kumar, 35, told Ranveer Allahabadia on his podcast.
He also shared that, having been a vegetarian all his life, he turned to eating non-vegetarian food to fulfill his protein needs. However, he didn’t enjoy it much and now sticks to home-cooked food with enough protein sources like whey protein, paneer, tofu, and edamame.
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“I was a vegetarian before, but then I started non-vegeting for protein. I never enjoyed it. So, I left it,” said Kumar, adding that the result was visible when after following a proper vegetarian diet for a year, “the DEXA muscle mass scan improved”.
“I had home-cooked food. Eggs were there, but I have left eggs too for the past one year,” said Kumar, who wants to prolong his career with the same intensity and avoid injuries. “Long-term diet plays a role,” said Kumar.

Reflecting on his diet, Dr Bhavana P, chief dietitian, Gleneagles Hospitals, Lakdi Ka Pul, Hyderabad, said that increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes typically boosts fibre consumption, which can improve gut health and digestion and reduce constipation.
According to her, it also improves gut microbiota, which helps in promoting a high-functioning metabolism. Plant-based alternatives like beans, lentils, and tofu can be included.
While dals and vegetables are essential parts of a healthy diet, packed with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fibre, overeating them has certain drawbacks like digestive discomfort or an overload of calories if prepared with large quantities of oil, ghee, or creamy toppings, said Aasa Anto C, clinical dietician, SS SPARSH Hospital, RR Nagar.Story continues below this ad
He follows a protein-rich diet (Photo: Freepik)
To avoid these issues, focus on portion control and variety. “Limit dal intake to 1-2 small servings per meal, cooked with minimal oil. Pair it with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. For vegetables, aim for a mix of colours, cooked lightly to preserve nutrients, and avoid calorie-dense sauces,” suggested Aasa.

In the long run, a balanced vegetarian diet can support gut health, aid weight management, reduce inflammation, and provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. “It’s important to ensure that meals are nutrient-dense to avoid deficiencies and to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice,” said Dr Bhavana.
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.