HYDERABAD: Animal Lover, socialite, actress and founder of Blue Cross Hyderabad, Amala Akkineni believes that veganism is not just an answer to animal cruelty, but also a healthy lifestyle
Reason for change
I moved to Chennai, Kalakshetra at the age of 8 and for the first time discovered a vegetarian diet. It took me by pleasant surprise… I remember having severe bouts of illness, food poisoning another digestive related illness when consuming non vegetarian food. Over the next few years I realised vegetarian suited my personality so much better, for both my temperament and health. Feeling a deep connection to animals and nature, I found a vegetarian diet was best for me and became one by the time I turned 11.
Diet and food
For many years my staple food was vegetarian with a lot of curd rice. But over the years , I suffered from chronic diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. That’s when I realised dairy was not good for me either. I attended Dr Nandita Shah’s workshop “Peas Vs Pills” and turned Vegan. Vegan suited to my constitution. All my health issues cleared up within week of turning Vegan.
Favourite foods
At this point of my life my, body has gone through so many changes as every decade one’s body adapts to a new phase and metabolism slows down. I need so much less, as in volume, but have learnt to pack on the power. I consume more salads, steamed vegetables and thick vegetarian soups. Ragi and jawar mixed cereals, dals and sprouts along with almonds, tahini paste and hummus. I am careful to ensure calcium and vitamin B intake from natural food and supplements, which is the only downside of being vegan.
Desserts, a big no!
Desert is almost never a part of my diet as most deserts have dairy. Only on very special occasions when a friend insists on making a vegan desert for me. Other wise a date or a piece of dark vegan chocolate is the limit.