Padma Lakshmi Reveals Her Balanced Approach to Fitness and Nutrition: Embracing Moderation (Exclusive)

Padma Lakshmi believes in maintaining a balanced approach to staying fit. She doesn't believe in depriving herself or overindulging. The 53-year-old former Top Chef host shared exclusively in the latest issue of We Magazine, "I try to treat my body well and focus on being the best version of myself, rather than comparing myself to others."

Lakshmi also shared some of her favorite ways to exercise, noting that she works out as often as possible.

“I love to lift weights, box and jump rope [and do] a lot of ab work,” she said.

Lakshmi, who left Top Chef in 2023 after hosting for 17 years, shared how the show made it challenging for her to maintain her weight. In a Time essay from June 2020, she revealed that while filming, she consumed between 5,000 to 8,000 calories daily. With 15 to 18 contestants each season, she had to taste a bit of every dish, leading to a weight gain of 10 to 17 pounds. It took her twice as long to lose the weight gained during filming once she returned home.

Padma Lakshmi Shares Her Fitness and Diet Philosophy I Don t Deprive Myself 403

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Lakshmi shared her routine for shedding extra pounds before the Emmy Awards each year. (She has been nominated for an impressive 16 Emmys for Top Chef.)

She explained, "My Emmy diet is simple. It's like a poem: no meat, no wheat, no cheese, no fried foods or sweets. And, of course, no alcohol." In addition to this strict diet, she also mentioned working out for two hours every day.

Lakshmi noticed that her 14-year-old daughter, Krishna, was adopting her dieting habits. This prompted her to reconsider her approach.

She made a decision to shift her focus away from her weight. In a message, she stated, "I have decided that this year, my weight will not be my priority. If I need a larger dress size, that's okay." She emphasized that the importance of a single day, especially on the red carpet, does not compare to ensuring her daughter values herself beyond her clothing size.

Lakshmi took to Instagram in February to wish her daughter a happy 14th birthday, sharing how proud she is to be her mother and watch her grow. She posted throwback photos of the pair with the caption, "Happy birthday to my #littlehands!"

The model revealed that her desire for more time with Krishna played a role in her choice to depart from Top Chef. She expressed, during an August 2023 interview on Variety's "Awards Circuit" podcast, that it was important for her to have a personal life and to be there for her teenage daughter. She mentioned that in five years, her daughter will be starting her own life, possibly heading off to college, making the decision a difficult one.

Lakshmi mentioned that she desired to have more leisure time for dating.

She explained, "I haven't been in a relationship for a while because I'm constantly working. I never really knew when or how I would meet someone."

She added, "Most of the people around me are either my employees or employers, and it doesn't feel right to have a romantic relationship with any of them."

For more on celebrities’ fitness and healthy living secrets, watch the video above and pick up the latest issue of We, on newsstands now.

Editor's P/S:

Padma Lakshmi's approach to health and fitness is refreshing and relatable. Her emphasis on balance and moderation encourages a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. Her decision to prioritize her well-being over a specific weight or dress size sets a positive example for her daughter and others. It's inspiring to see a celebrity who values self-care and encourages others to do the same.

Lakshmi's honest account of the challenges she faced while hosting Top Chef highlights the impact that a demanding career can have on one's physical and mental health. Her ability to adjust her approach to fitness and nutrition once she left the show demonstrates her resilience and adaptability. Her decision to focus on her personal life and relationships reflects the importance of prioritizing well-being beyond work and career.