Padma Lakshmi Details Exactly What She Eats in a Day

As we've seen with her nachos, six-ingredient chicken, and margarita recipes, Padma Lakshmi's daily routine includes the most incredible food. Now, the Bravo's Top Chef host is breaking down exactly what she eats in a day, and, of course, each meal is packed with flavorful ingredients. 

To start her day, Padma explained in an interview with EatingWell, "I have to eat in the morning before my workout because I won't make it through my workout if I don't." For breakfast, she opts for "slices or chunks of papaya along with dahi (Indian yogurt) with a small drizzle of spicy maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon," the magazine reports in its “American Food Today” issue that Padma guest-edited. 

Padma continues to eat "a lot of yogurt" throughout the day. "It helps calm my tummy with spicy food. It also just makes me feel good," she said. "I think it's nice to have a little bit with every meal, or most meals, if you can."

Padma's lunch often includes leftovers like "dal, rice and a vegetable, a turkey sandwich or some chicken soup," according to the magazine. For dinner, her go-to meals range from frittatas to pastas to fried rice and vegetables with a fried egg on top. One of her favorites, she said, is hariyali chicken. 

As for her drink of choice? "My go-to cocktail is probably something with tequila," she said.

Last year, Padma opened up to Parents about her and daughter Krishna's eating habits at home. "We try to keep our diet 50 percent fruits and vegetables," she said. "Mainly, I stress balance... Last night we had takeout pizza, and Krishna finished it off with Häagen-Dazs, so for the next couple of days we’ll have to be healthier."

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