Genelia D'Souza opens up on quitting meat: ‘It was a health concern’

Actor Genelia D'Souza has shared a candid account of why she stopped eating meat and eventually embraced veganism, revealing that the decision was driven primarily by health reasons, not ideology or trends.

Speaking on Soha Ali Khan’s YouTube channel, Genelia said her journey toward a plant-based lifestyle began several years before she fully went vegan.

From non-vegetarian to vegetarian

Genelia explained that she gave up meat in 2017, marking her transition from a non-vegetarian diet to being vegetarian.

At that stage, she had not eliminated all animal products.

“I was vegetarian, not plant-based,” she said, adding that dairy, cheese, and eggs were still part of her meals.

She acknowledged that many people associate dietary changes with spirituality, and that played a role initially.

‘My first step was selfish’

The actor was frank about her motivation.

“My first step toward being vegan was selfish,” Genelia admitted, explaining that she believed the lifestyle would be better for her health.

Only later did her choices align with broader values such as compassion for animals and sustainable living.

Turning fully vegan in 2020

Genelia eventually adopted a fully plant-based diet in 2020, cutting out all animal-derived products. Since then, she has spoken positively about the impact on her overall well-being.

Her comments come amid a growing conversation around food choices, longevity, and preventive health, especially among public figures with demanding schedules.