{
  "id": 13868647,
  "title": "Rohit Sharma avoided most buffet food, says former BCCI chef: ‘Is a pure vegetarian’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/rohit-sharma-avoided-most-buffet-food-says-former-bcci-chef-is-a-pure-13868647",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T03:59:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express - Lifestyle",
    "slug": "the-indian-express-lifestyle",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/rohit-sharma-vegetarian-meat-free-diet-elite-athletes-expert-10910670/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former BCCI chef Arun Chauhan revealed that Rohit Sharma never ate from a buffet during matches, as he was a strict vegetarian. Chauhan stated that Rohit would inquire about vegetarian options in the buffet, opting for fruits or salad instead of much else. Similarly, former cricketer Virendra Sehwag was also known to be a vegetarian and had the same attention to detail in food choices. Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals Thane, clarified that a well-planned vegetarian diet can indeed meet the nutritional requirements of professional athletes, including essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Sheikh emphasized that the key to a balanced diet lies not in whether it contains meat, but in its overall quality and nutritional adequacy. For strength and physical activity, protein-rich foods such as lentils, dals, beans, soy, tofu, paneer, curd, milk, nuts, and seeds are crucial. It is recommended to distribute protein intake across meals rather than relying heavily on a single food source. Additionally, athletes following a plant-based diet should pay special attention to iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D intake. While a vegetarian diet does not inherently ensure a healthy lifestyle, it is important to focus on the quality of the diet rather than the presence or absence of meat. A balanced plate comprising whole grains, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and appropriate protein sources can provide a strong nutritional foundation for athletes. However, individualized dietary plans are essential, as what works for one professional cricketer may not be suitable for everyone.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Rohit Sharma avoided most buffet food, says former BCCI chef: ‘Is a pure vegetarian’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/rohit-sharma-avoided-most-buffet-food-says-former-bcci-chef-is-a-pure",
        "published": "2026-10-12T03:59:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}