Actor Jacqueline Fernandez has spoken about the positive changes she experienced after switching to a completely vegetarian diet, saying the lifestyle shift helped clear persistent adult acne and stabilise her weight.
‘My acne stopped, weight stabilised’
In an interview with Curly Tales, Jacqueline said the change in her diet brought unexpected benefits.
“The crazy thing that happened when I turned completely vegetarian was I stopped getting acne. I suffered from a lot of adult acne before, and my weight stopped yo-yoing,” she said.
She added that while she does not have a scientific explanation, the bloating and frequent weight fluctuations she experienced earlier disappeared after eliminating meat from her diet. “I didn’t have any more bloating, and I didn’t have any more weight fluctuations, which I had a lot throughout my life,” she noted.
Meeting protein needs without meat
Addressing a common concern around vegetarian diets, Jacqueline said she has had no difficulty meeting her daily protein requirements. According to her, vegetables, beans, tofu and other plant-based foods provide sufficient protein when planned well.
“There are so many ways that protein actually sneaks into vegetarian food that we don’t realise,” she said, adding that she also relies on vegan protein shakes when needed.
Can a vegetarian diet improve skin health?
Jacqueline’s experience has renewed discussion around the link between diet, skin health and metabolism. Fitness dietician and nutritionist Ashlesha Joshi said a balanced vegetarian diet can support clearer skin, though diet alone is not the sole factor behind acne.
“A vegetarian diet is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and fibre, which support gut health and hormonal balance,” Joshi said, explaining that many people also cut down on processed foods, refined sugars and excess dairy after going vegetarian—changes that can reduce inflammation and improve skin clarity.
However, she cautioned that acne is also influenced by stress, sleep quality, hormones and skincare routines.
Bloating during transition and how to manage it
Experts note that bloating or temporary weight changes are common when switching to a plant-based diet due to a sudden increase in fibre intake. Joshi advised making the transition gradual, starting with smaller portions of legumes and cruciferous vegetables, staying well hydrated, and including probiotics or fermented foods to help the gut adapt.
Plant-based protein options
According to nutritionists, it is possible to meet protein needs on a vegetarian diet through foods such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, paneer, dairy, nuts, seeds and quinoa. Pairing cereals with pulses—like rice and dal or wheat and chickpeas—helps ensure a complete amino acid profile.
With careful planning, experts say a vegetarian diet can support healthy skin, stable weight and overall metabolic health, echoing Jacqueline Fernandez’s personal experience.