Inside Sara Ali Khan’s Bag: Chewing Gum, Walnuts, and a Lesson in Mindful Snacking

Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan is known for her unfiltered charm and refreshingly practical approach to life — and a recent peek inside her everyday bag proves exactly that.

During a candid interaction with Pinkvilla, the Kedarnath actor humorously brushed aside the old adage about not peeking into a woman’s handbag before revealing a surprisingly relatable mix of essentials.

“There’s perfume, so you smell good. There’s chewing gum — for when you’re hungry,” Sara laughed. “Then there’s akhrot and badam for when you’re really hungry and chewing gum doesn’t suffice.”

Alongside the snacks, her tote carries earphones, a wallet, a notebook for private thoughts, a comb, and a tampon — a reminder that preparedness, not glamour, defines real-world celebrity routines.

But while chewing gum and nuts may sound harmless, health experts say how and when you snack matters.

Is Chewing Gum on an Empty Stomach a Good Idea?

According to Dr Ninad Muley, Consultant Prosthodontist and Implantologist at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, chewing gum on an empty stomach can backfire.

Chewing triggers saliva and stomach acid production. Without food present, the excess acid can irritate the stomach lining, potentially increasing the risk of ulcers over time.

Additional concerns include:

• Excess air swallowing, leading to bloating and gas
• Digestive discomfort from artificial sweeteners like sorbitol
• Jaw fatigue from prolonged chewing
• Increased risk of dental enamel erosion due to acidic flavouring

Dr Muley advises limiting sugar-free gum chewing to 10–15 minutes after meals, which helps stimulate saliva for oral hygiene without stressing the digestive system.

“Listen to your body,” he notes. “Discomfort is a signal, not something to ignore.”

Why Nuts Are the Smarter Hunger Fix

When gum fails, Sara reaches for almonds and walnuts — and nutritionists approve.

Lovneet Batra, nutritionist and wellness expert, explains that nuts have a low glycaemic index and are rich in fibre, protein, and healthy fats, making them ideal for sustained energy.

Almonds

• Improve memory and digestion
• Help lower cholesterol
• Rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and protein
• Best consumed soaked, as the peel contains tannins that reduce nutrient absorption

Walnuts

Often called “brain food,” walnuts are packed with:

• Antioxidants
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Calcium, iron, potassium, copper, and zinc

They support brain health, heart health, and overall metabolic function — provided they’re eaten in moderation to avoid excess calorie intake.

Celebrity Habits, Real-World Lessons

Sara Ali Khan’s everyday bag isn’t just a celebrity curiosity — it reflects a broader truth about mindful snacking in fast-paced lives.

Quick fixes like chewing gum may curb hunger briefly, but nutrient-dense foods like nuts offer long-term benefits without compromising digestive or dental health.

Preparedness, balance, and listening to your body — that’s the real takeaway.