Renowned Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, known for his switch to a vegetarian diet a few years back, recently surprised a section of his followers by sharing an Instagram story featuring him consuming ‘mock chicken tikka’.
Kohli, a former enthusiast of dishes like butter chicken, transitioned to a vegetarian lifestyle, even for his protein intake, citing health and fitness reasons. His decision to abstain from non-vegetarian food was explained as a measure to address a cervical spine issue caused by excessive uric acid in his body, which prompted significant dietary alterations.
The recent Instagram story shared by Virat showcased him savoring ‘mock chicken tikka’, sparking confusion among some fans. However, there’s a crucial aspect that certain followers failed to grasp.
Virat Kohli’s ‘mock chicken tikka’ is a plant-based alternative and remains a vegetarian dish, contrary to its name.
Understanding ‘Mock Chicken Tikka’:
Distinct from the traditional ‘Chicken Tikka’, the mock version of this dish doesn’t contain actual chicken; instead, it is crafted from soy-based ingredients. Over time, numerous vegetarian renditions of chicken and meat dishes have emerged, primarily utilizing soy as a substitute.
The taste and texture of these plant-based alternatives often mirror their non-vegetarian counterparts, posing a challenge in differentiating between the two. Nevertheless, ‘mock’ chicken items are exclusively composed of soy.
Reasons Behind Virat Kohli’s Vegetarian Shift:
Virat disclosed his decision to eliminate meat from his diet during an Instagram Live session in 2020, elucidating how health issues led him to reevaluate his dietary choices.
“Prior to the England Test series, I stopped consuming meat. During the 2018 South Africa tour, I encountered a cervical spine issue while playing a test match. It compressed a nerve, causing a tingling sensation and loss of feeling in my little finger. The discomfort was excruciating, affecting my sleep,” Kohli explained.
“Tests revealed excessive acidity in my stomach and body, resulting in heightened uric acid levels. Despite taking supplements, excluding one tablet, my body struggled to function optimally. Consequently, during the middle of the England tour, I completely ceased meat consumption to lower uric acid levels. Since then, I’ve experienced significant improvements in my health,” he continued.
Virat emphasized how this decision positively impacted his life, elevating his energy levels and prompting a sense of well-being.
“Nearly two years have passed since I made this change, and it remains the best decision I’ve made. It’s been transformational, and I wish I had embraced it earlier,” Kohli expressed, reflecting on the substantial shift in his lifestyle.