Do you need to eat non-veg for a toned body? Kartik Aaryan, Sanya Malhotra's trainer clears up common misconceptions

When we talk about celebrity transformations, the spotlight is usually on the actors. But behind those lean physiques and powerful builds is someone working behind the scenes, pushing, guiding, and reshaping fitness journeys. One such name making waves is Tridev Pandey, a former national-level boxer and Varanasi native, who is now the trusted fitness coach of several Bollywood stars, including Kartik Aaryan and Sanya Malhotra. Recently, Tridev shared his thoughts in a video addressing one of the most common questions in fitness: Do you need to eat non-veg to build muscle?

Do you need to eat non-veg for weight loss?

His answer is absolutely not. Addressing the myths, he explained that many trainers often push clients to eat non-veg as if it’s the only route to gaining muscle. However, he firmly believes, and is living proof, that vegetarian diets can also support muscle growth, strength, and athletic performance. “Some of the best athletes and coaches I know are vegetarian, even vegan. It’s about the right nutrition, not just what’s on your plate,” he said.


Tridev, a vegetarian himself, emphasised that sports-specific training, proper planning, and tailored diets can easily make up for the lack of animal protein. While he acknowledges that non-veg food can be a convenient option for some, he insists it’s not a necessity. What matters is whether a food plan works for an individual’s body type and goals.

His message? Stop scaring people into thinking they can’t get fit without chicken and eggs. According to him, fitness is for everyone, vegetarian, non-vegetarian, or vegan.

More about Tridev Pandey

Beyond Kartik and Sanya, Tridev’s client list includes several known names: Vikrant Massey, Sunny Singh, Gauhar Khan, Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa, and Mallika Dua, to name a few. From building Kartik Aaryan’s athletic body for Chandu Champion to helping Sanya Malhotra undergo massive weight fluctuations for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumar, Tridev’s expertise has become highly sought-after in the film industry. But his journey didn’t start with red carpets.


It began six years ago, when he trained Sanya for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Pataakha. She had to gain 15 kg of body weight, and later shed it all for the same film, a demanding challenge that showcased both her dedication and Tridev’s knowledge.

At a time when the fitness world is crowded with extreme diets and unrealistic body goals, Tridev Pandey’s grounded wisdom feels refreshing. His rise from a boxer in Varanasi to Bollywood’s go-to trainer is proof that you don’t need shortcuts, just consistency and the right mindset.