Bollywood veteran Sanjay Dutt, who turned 66 today (July 29), is proving that age is just a number, especially when it comes to fitness. In a recent interview, the actor revealed his surprisingly simple wellness mantra: eating six small meals a day. While it works for him, could this trending eating pattern actually benefit everyone? Let's dig in.
What's on Sanjay Dutt's plate?
In a recent chat with Curly Tales on July 27, the actor gave fans a peek into his current routine. "As per the workout, one should have six small meals a day," he said. "In the morning, after waking up, have muesli, then have some egg whites and avocado. After some time, there is salad and fruit followed by boiled chicken. For actors, especially, going to the gym and being fit is very important," the actor explained.
Along with clean proteins like egg whites and boiled chicken, Sanjay includes good fats like avocado and loads of fibre through fruits and salads. And yes, there's room for indulgence. His cheat meals are crowd-favourites Biryani and kebabs.
Canva
Does eating six times a day really help?
The idea of having six small meals daily isn't new, and studies suggest it may benefit people trying to manage hunger or certain health conditions. A 2017 study led by Dr Emilia Papakonstantinou (Agricultural University of Athens) found that eating six evenly spaced meals a day, while keeping total calories the same, helped improve blood sugar control and reduced hunger in obese people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Researchers compared this pattern to the traditional three-meal approach and concluded that more frequent meals, consumed at regular intervals, could be an effective tool for those who struggle with dieting or need to stabilise glucose levels.
According to a review published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice, eating six to ten small, frequent meals a day may be beneficial for specific groups of people. These include individuals who feel full quickly (early satiety), those aiming to gain weight, or people dealing with conditions like gastroparesis and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or bloating.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any concerns or questions regarding your health or medical condition.
