Explorer

With Deepika Padukone’s Pregnancy, Ayurveda Suggests Healthy Eating Over ‘Eating For Two’ Myth

Ayurveda advises pregnant women to eat light, fresh, sattvic food instead of “eating for two.” Experts suggest cooling, liquid meals early on, then gradually adding wholesome solids, avoiding fasting.

Show Quick Read
Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom
  • Pregnancy diet myth: 'Eat for two' means quality, not quantity.
  • Ayurveda advises light, nourishing, freshly cooked sattvic foods.
  • Diet evolves through trimesters: cooling early, then energy-rich.
  • Avoid fasting, leftovers, alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals.

When actor Deepika Padukone announced her pregnancy, social media lit up with debates about “eating for two”. Many people still think pregnancy means doubling every meal, but experts say this old idea is not only wrong, it can be risky for both mother and baby. Instead, Ayurveda and modern nutrition suggest focus on quality, balance, and gentle lifestyle changes, not extra portions. With celebrity pregnancies drawing so much attention, the message for expecting mothers is clear: “eat for two” should mean “eat for two stages of life”, not two plates.

What Ayurveda Suggests Pregnant Women Should Eat

One of the central Ayurvedic ideas is that a pregnant woman’s diet should be light, nourishing, and easy to digest. Ayurvedic practitioners say meals should be freshly cooked, warm, and rich in vital nutrients that support both mother and the growing baby. They also stress the importance of a “sattvic” diet, foods that keep the mind calm and the body strong, so processed, fried, and very heavy meals are discouraged. As one Ayurvedic nutrition expert notes, “Fresh vegetables, whole grains, fruits, milk, ghee and honey are ideal for building healthy tissues in both mother and child.” 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by दीपिका पादुकोण (@deepikapadukone)

Ayurveda divides pregnancy into three main stages and gives slightly different advice for each. In early pregnancy, the focus is on cooling, liquid or semi‑solid foods such as milk, rice porridge, light soups, and fresh fruit to ease nausea and support digestion. “Cold, liquid and semisolid foods twice a day are the ideal food for a pregnant mother in the first trimester,” the expert explains. From the second trimester onward, the diet can gradually include more solid, energy‑giving foods such as rice, wheat, pulses, paneer, curd, and seasonal fruits like mangoes, apples and grapes, but still in moderate quantities. 

ALSO READ | Malaika Arora And Shilpa Shetty Swear By This Kitchen Ingredient For Glowing Skin

Precautions To Take In Eating Habits During Pregnancy

Ayurveda also warns against certain habits. Doctors and experts advise pregnant women to avoid heavy fasts, leftover or frozen meals, alcohol, excess caffeine and very spicy, oily or fried food. “Fasting during pregnancy is not good for health,” one Ayurvedic guide stresses, adding that women should instead eat small, frequent meals and stay well‑hydrated.

ALSO READ | Parshuram Jayanti 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Rituals, Significance And More

They also recommend traditional items such as ghee, almonds, dates, raisins, and honey in small amounts, along with gentle movement like walking or light yoga, to keep energy and mood steady throughout the nine months. 

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]


Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index ( BMI )

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'eating for two' mean during pregnancy according to the article?

The article suggests 'eating for two' should mean 'eating for two stages of life', focusing on quality and balance rather than doubling portions. This ensures nourishment for both the mother and the developing baby.

What are the key principles of an Ayurvedic diet for pregnant women?

Ayurveda recommends a diet that is light, nourishing, and easy to digest. Meals should be freshly cooked, warm, and rich in nutrients, emphasizing 'sattvic' foods and discouraging processed, fried, or heavy meals.

How does the Ayurvedic diet advice change during different stages of pregnancy?

In early pregnancy, cooling and liquid foods like milk and porridge are recommended. From the second trimester, the diet can gradually include more solid, energy-giving foods in moderation.

What foods and habits should pregnant women avoid according to Ayurveda?

Pregnant women should avoid heavy fasts, leftover meals, alcohol, excess caffeine, and very spicy, oily, or fried food. Instead, small, frequent meals and staying hydrated are advised.

About the author Vijaya Mishra

Vijaya Mishra is a Copy Editor at ABP Live English, with a sharp eye for detail in entertainment journalism. Her passion lies in Bollywood, global actors, and the vibrant entertainment industries worldwide. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), she balances her professional life with a love for literature and music. When not crafting compelling stories, you'll find her immersed in books and movies.

Read More

Top Headlines

ABP LIVE Doc Talk | Is India Facing A Silent Brain Health Crisis? Experts Explain
ABP LIVE Doc Talk | Is India Facing A Silent Brain Health Crisis? Experts Explain
Are Smartwatches Linked to Cancer? Know What Experts Say
Are Smartwatches Linked to Cancer? Know What Experts Say
Energy Drinks Safety: 40,023 Food Samples Found Non-Compliant, Know What Government Told Parliament
Energy Drinks Safety: 40,023 Food Samples Found Non-Compliant, Know What Government Told Parliament
ABP LIVE Doc Talk | Melasma, Stretch Marks & Acne: Managing Postpartum Skin
ABP LIVE Doc Talk | Melasma, Stretch Marks & Acne: Managing Postpartum Skin

Videos

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir: PoK Protests Escalate as Demonstrations Spread to Muzaffarabad Against Pakistan Administration
Political Unrest: Pakistan’s Youth-Led ‘Cockroach Party’ Challenges Shehbaz Sharif Government
Kulgam Terror Attack: Omar Abdullah Announces ₹10 Lakh Compensation for Victims’ Families
PM Modi’s Message: PM Modi Appeals for Compassion, Forgives ‘Misguided’ Students in Fifth Video Message
Akhilesh Yadav vs BJP: Akhilesh Yadav Targets BJP, Says Public Will Never Forgive Broken Promises

Photo Gallery

25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Embed widget