Sunita Ahuja, 57, recently shared her daily routine, stressing that she is extremely particular about eating right to look and feel good. “I wake up at 4 am. If you get into a routine, the body stays fit. I wake up at 4 am, and by 5.30 am, I am down for my walk. Once I come up, I do stretching, yoga, breathing…and then I am busy with my morning pujas. Then my breakfast is a few fruits, which I am not fond of. I am diabetic. I can’t eat a lot of them. So, I eat moong dal ka chilla, or upma or idli. Lunch is half a roti, and two spoons of diabetes rice with lots of salads, rajma, etc. In the evening, I drink half a cup of tea with bhel or something made out of bajra. I keep my dinner very light. By 7.30-7.45 pm, I am done with my dinner, and I sleep by 9.30 pm because I wake up at 4 am. I don’t nap like others during the day. By 9 pm, my bedroom lights are off and by 9.30, I fall asleep,” Sunita said.
Story continues below this ad
Adding that she keeps her “dinner light because of diabetes…so I eat less carbs,” she continued: “I have to eat half a roti because the medications are strong. Otherwise, I won’t even eat that. So, I would prefer soup or one roti with onion and pickle. That is my diet. I eat very less.”
Sharing that her lifestyle aligns with what actor Akshay Kumar advocates for, Sunita told Zoom, “Akshay Kumar says not to eat food after 6 pm; he is absolutely right. If you are hungry, have salad or soup. But I eat by 7.30-7.45 because of my diabetes. One should not have carbs after 6 pm, but my intake is not much. I am not a burger or pizza person. I love having them on Sundays, but don’t overeat 5-6 pieces. I am happy with 2 pieces. Sundar lagna hai toh control karna padega na (I have to control to look beautiful).”
Story continues below this ad
Reflecting on Sunita’s approach to food and routine, consultant dietitian and fitness expert Garima Goyal said it reflects a practical and sustainable understanding of health. “What stands out is not extreme restriction, but balance, awareness and consistency,” she told indianexpress.com.
Her choice to reduce carbohydrates at night aligns with metabolic health goals.
Story continues below this ad
“While carbohydrates are not harmful, large portions late in the evening can contribute to sluggishness, poor sleep and unwanted weight gain in sedentary individuals. Prioritising lighter meals with adequate protein and vegetables at night is a smart strategy, especially for diabetics looking to control sugar spikes,” said Goyal.
The most underrated aspect of Sunita’s routine is sleep discipline. “Consistent sleep timing plays a crucial role in hormonal balance, appetite regulation and energy levels. An early bedtime supports better cortisol rhythm and helps control cravings the following day,” said Goyal.
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.
