Let’s be real, we all want to know how someone like Padma Lakshmi stays so vibrant and healthy. In a candid chat with Closer Weekly, the beloved Top Chef judge opened up about her personal wellness routine. “It’s all about the basics,” she shared during an exclusive interview at the Endometriosis Foundation of America’s Blossom Ball in NYC. “I make it a point to drink two liters of water every day and get enough sleep. It sounds simple, but these things really do make a difference.”

But here’s the kicker—there’s more to her routine than just water and sleep. Padma revealed a secret ingredient that keeps her going: her 9-year-old daughter, Krishna. “I try to hug my daughter as much as I can,” she said with a warm smile. “Nothing brings me more pure joy than spending time with her. It’s a visceral connection that fills my soul.”

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80s attitude👩🏽‍🎤⚡️So proud of #littlehands and her classmates for all of their hard work in her school musical! #twinningandwinning #flatstanley BUT CAN WE PLS TAKE JUST ONE NICE PICTURE???
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A post shared by Padma Lakshmi (@padmalakshmi) on Apr 28, 2019 at 2:47pm PDT

Padma’s Journey with Endometriosis

Padma’s appreciation for her daughter runs deeper than just the joy she brings to her life. You see, Padma was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 36, a painful condition that affects millions of women worldwide. “I was told I wouldn’t be able to have children,” she recalled. But after undergoing surgery, she was able to conceive Krishna with her former partner, venture capitalist Adam Dell. “That experience changed everything for me,” she said. “Now I know what life is like on the other side.”

In 2008, Padma co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America to raise awareness, advocate for research, and push for legislation to combat this debilitating disease. “It’s so important to educate women about their bodies and to encourage them to speak up if something feels off,” she emphasized. “For years, I thought the pain I was experiencing was normal. I gritted my teeth and carried on, but it didn’t have to be that way. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong—listen to it.”

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*the Amélie soundtrack plays softly in the background* #littlehands #paris #mommyandme
A post shared by Padma Lakshmi (@padmalakshmi) on Apr 2, 2019 at 4:18pm PDT
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Krishna: A Miracle in Padma’s Life

For Padma, Krishna isn’t just her daughter—she’s a miracle. “I’m incredibly fortunate to have her,” she gushed. “Her middle name is Thea, which means ‘gift from God.’ She’s truly a blessing.”

At 48, Padma juggles her responsibilities as a Top Chef judge, author, entrepreneur (she has a thriving kitchenware line and a stunning jewelry collection), and her role as a UN Goodwill Ambassador. Yet, despite her packed schedule, she makes her daughter her top priority. “In 10 years, I won’t look back and think about the projects I completed,” she reflected. “What will matter most is whether I was there for Krishna when she needed me.”

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