Virat Kohli sent shockwaves across social media with his recent Instagram story featuring a plate of ‘mock chicken tikka.’
The post not only piqued the curiosity of fans but also sparked a topic of discussion surrounding Kohli’s dietary choices and his journey to a vegetarian lifestyle.
The Instagram story, shared with Kohli’s massive fan base, showcased the cricketer indulging in what appeared to be the classic Indian dish, but with a twist – it was entirely plant-based.
Given Kohli’s well-known transition to a vegetarian diet a few years ago, the ‘mock chicken tikka’ left many fans scratching their heads and eager to understand the backstory behind this culinary choice.
Why Did Virat Kohli Became Vegetarian?
The revelation of Kohli’s vegetarian lifestyle came to light a few years ago when he opened up about a cervical spine issue that prompted him to make significant changes to his diet.
Recounting the experience during an Instagram Live session in 2020, Kohli explained that a test match in South Africa in 2018 became a turning point.
A cervical spine issue led to a tingling sensation and loss of feeling in his little finger, disrupting his sleep and causing intense pain.
Upon medical examination, Kohli discovered that his body was producing excessive uric acid, leading to an acidic stomach.
Despite taking supplements like calcium and magnesium, his body was not functioning optimally. To counter the uric acid imbalance, Kohli took a drastic step – he decided to give up meat entirely during the England Test series.
The recent ‘mock chicken tikka’ post on Instagram raised questions among fans who were familiar with Kohli’s reasons for adopting a vegetarian lifestyle.
However, it turns out that the dish wasn’t a deviation from his dietary principles but a creative plant-based adaptation.
What is Mock Chicken Tikka?
The ‘mock’ version of the dish, unlike its traditional chicken counterpart, was crafted using soy, a common ingredient in vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
Soy-based mock meat has become increasingly popular over the years, replicating the flavors and textures of animal-based products.
In the case of ‘mock chicken tikka,’ the dish offers a satisfying alternative for those who have chosen a vegetarian or vegan path.
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