Akshay Kumar’s Health Mantra at 57: Why Dinner at 6:30 PM and Monday Fasting Keeps Illness Away

At 57, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar continues to defy age with his remarkable energy, chiseled physique, and ability to perform high-octane stunts. Known for his disciplined lifestyle, the actor recently shared his simple yet powerful health mantra at a book launch event for Your Body Already Knows in August 2025. His secrets? Finishing dinner by 6:30 PM, fasting every Monday, and avoiding traditional weightlifting in favor of natural workouts. These habits, rooted in consistency and simplicity, are designed to keep the stomach healthy, which Akshay believes is the key to preventing illness. Here’s a deep dive into Akshay Kumar’s health philosophy, why it works, and how you can adopt it for a healthier life.

The Core of Akshay’s Health Mantra: Discipline and Gut Health

Akshay Kumar’s approach to fitness is not about trendy diets or grueling gym sessions but about sustainable habits that promote long-term health. Speaking at the book launch, he emphasized that the stomach is the root of most diseases, stating, “If you pay maximum attention to your stomach, diseases will not come near you.” His two cornerstone habits—early dinners and weekly fasting—are designed to give the digestive system ample rest, which he credits for his energy, focus, and illness-free life.

1. Early Dinner at 6:30 PM: Resting the Stomach

Akshay insists on finishing his dinner by 6:30 PM every evening, a practice he has followed for years. He explained, “When we go to sleep at night, our eyes are resting, our legs are resting, our hands are resting, every part of our body is resting. But what is not resting is your stomach because we have eaten food late.” By eating early, he ensures that digestion is complete by bedtime (around 9:00–10:00 PM), allowing the stomach to rest alongside the body.

Why It Works:

• Improved Digestion: Eating early gives the stomach 2.5–3 hours to digest food before sleep, reducing the risk of acid reflux, bloating, and other digestive issues.
• Better Sleep: A rested stomach promotes deeper, more restorative sleep, which supports overall health and recovery.
• Disease Prevention: Akshay believes that many illnesses originate in the digestive system. Early dinners help maintain gut health, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Weight Management: Early meals align with the body’s circadian rhythm, optimizing metabolism and preventing fat storage. Nutritionists note that eating earlier can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce nighttime cravings.

How to Adopt It:

• Aim to finish dinner by 6:30–7:00 PM, at least 2–3 hours before bedtime.
• Keep meals light, focusing on whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates to ease digestion.
• Avoid heavy, processed, or spicy foods in the evening to prevent strain on the stomach.

2. Monday Fasting: A Weekly Reset

Akshay observes a full-day fast every Monday, consuming his last meal on Sunday night and not eating again until Tuesday morning—a 36-hour fast. He shared, “I fast on Mondays, like a full-day fast. Sunday is the last meal, and then after that, Monday is a full-day fast till Tuesday morning.” This weekly ritual, inspired by traditional practices, keeps him “light and energetic” while offering multiple health benefits.

Why It Works:

• Detoxification: Fasting allows the body to cleanse itself of toxins, giving the digestive system a break and promoting cellular repair through autophagy.
• Metabolic Boost: Intermittent fasting can enhance metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and aid fat loss, particularly around the belly.
• Improved Focus and Energy: Akshay notes that fasting helps him stay sharp and focused, a benefit supported by studies showing that fasting can enhance cognitive function.
• Digestive Health: A weekly fast resets the gut, reducing inflammation and improving gut microbiota balance, which is crucial for preventing chronic diseases.
• Cultural Significance: In Indian tradition, Monday fasting is often linked to spiritual practices, particularly devotion to Lord Shiva, adding a holistic dimension to Akshay’s routine.

How to Adopt It:

• Start with a shorter fasting window (e.g., 16:8 intermittent fasting) if a full-day fast feels challenging.
• Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, or black coffee during the fast to curb hunger and support detoxification.
• Break the fast with a light, nutrient-rich meal, such as fruits, yogurt, or a vegetable-based dish, to avoid overwhelming the stomach.
• Consult a doctor before fasting, especially if you have medical conditions like diabetes or low blood pressure.

3. Natural Workouts Over Weightlifting

Unlike many celebrities who rely on heavy gym equipment, Akshay avoids weightlifting, preferring functional and natural exercises. He humorously described his gym as “basically made for monkeys,” designed for climbing and hanging rather than lifting weights. His routine includes rock climbing, outdoor sports like volleyball, and bodyweight exercises, which keep him agile and strong without the strain of traditional weight training.

Why It Works:

• Functional Fitness: Activities like rock climbing and sports improve coordination, flexibility, and endurance, mimicking real-world movements.
• Joint Health: Avoiding heavy weights reduces the risk of joint injuries, making it a sustainable choice for long-term fitness, especially at 57.
• Mental Benefits: Outdoor activities boost mood and reduce stress by increasing exposure to nature and sunlight, which Akshay incorporates into his routine.
• Sustainability: Natural workouts are less monotonous than gym routines, encouraging consistency and enjoyment.

How to Adopt It:

• Incorporate bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and planks into your routine.
• Try outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or swimming for a fun, engaging workout.
• Focus on functional movements that improve strength, balance, and flexibility without overtaxing the body.

Akshay’s Broader Lifestyle: Simplicity and Consistency

Beyond early dinners and fasting, Akshay’s health mantra is rooted in a disciplined lifestyle that prioritizes simplicity and consistency. He goes to bed by 9:00–10:00 PM, wakes up around 5:30 AM, and avoids late-night parties and processed foods. His diet is balanced, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from natural, unprocessed sources, without restrictive or crash diets. This approach aligns with his philosophy of longevity and balance, proving that fitness is a lifestyle, not a short-term goal.

Akshay’s habits have sparked conversations online, with fans praising his discipline. One Reddit user commented, “He is very disciplined, that’s what I admire about him. If half the India becomes disciplined like him we will be a 1st world place.” Another noted, “I’ve been trying it for a few days, and it really works. Sleep is amazing, I wake up feeling lighter.”

Scientific Backing for Akshay’s Approach

Akshay’s health practices are supported by science:

• Early Dinners: Studies show that eating earlier aligns with the body’s circadian rhythm, improving digestion, sleep quality, and metabolic health. A 2019 study in Nutrients found that early time-restricted feeding reduces blood sugar levels and inflammation.
• Fasting: Research, including a 2020 review in Cell Metabolism, highlights that intermittent fasting promotes fat loss, improves insulin sensitivity, and enhances cellular repair, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Natural Exercise: Functional workouts improve cardiovascular health, muscle endurance, and joint mobility, with lower injury risks compared to heavy weightlifting, according to a 2021 study in Sports Medicine.

Applying Akshay’s Mantra to Your Life

Akshay Kumar’s health philosophy is accessible to anyone willing to embrace discipline and simplicity. Here are practical tips to incorporate his habits:

• Set a Dinner Deadline: Aim for 6:30–7:00 PM dinners, keeping meals light and nutrient-dense.
• Try Weekly Fasting: Experiment with a 24-hour fast once a week, starting with shorter windows if needed. Hydrate well and break the fast gently.
• Move Naturally: Swap gym sessions for outdoor activities or bodyweight exercises that you enjoy, ensuring long-term consistency.
• Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep by maintaining a consistent bedtime, ideally by 10:00 PM.
• Avoid Crash Diets: Focus on whole, natural foods and avoid processed or restrictive diets for sustainable health.

Note: Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially fasting, to ensure it suits your health needs.

Conclusion

Akshay Kumar’s health mantra at 57—early dinners by 6:30 PM,