Ever wondered how Padma Lakshmi stays so vibrant and healthy? Well, it's not rocket science. "It’s all about the basics," the Top Chef judge revealed in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly at the Endometriosis Foundation of America’s Blossom Ball in NYC. "I try to drink two liters of water a day and make sure I get enough sleep," she shared. Sounds pretty straightforward, doesn't it? But as it turns out, there's more to her wellness routine than just hydration and rest.

Here's the kicker: Padma's secret ingredient to happiness isn't a fancy supplement or a high-intensity workout. It's something far simpler and infinitely more heartwarming. "I try to hug my daughter as often as I can," she said, speaking of her 9-year-old, Krishna. "Because honestly, nothing brings me more pure joy than those moments." It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the little things in life mean the most.

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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

Why Padma Values Motherhood More Than Ever

Padma's appreciation for her daughter runs even deeper because of her personal health journey. Diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 36, she was initially told she wouldn’t be able to have children. "I remember feeling like my world had come crashing down," she recalled. But after undergoing surgery, Padma defied the odds and conceived Krishna with venture capitalist Adam Dell. "It’s a miracle that I have her," Padma said emotionally. "That’s why her middle name is Thea, which means 'gift from God.'"

Her battle with endometriosis also inspired her to co-found the Endometriosis Foundation of America in 2008. "I wanted to create a platform where women could find answers and support," she explained. "This disease affects millions of women worldwide, and yet it’s so often overlooked. We need better research, better legislation, and most importantly, better awareness."

Advice for Women Facing Undiagnosed Medical Issues

Padma is passionate about empowering women to take charge of their health. "Listen, no one knows your body better than you do," she emphasized. "If something feels off, don't ignore it. Be proactive about seeking help and getting to the bottom of things." Reflecting on her own experience, she admitted, "For years, I thought the pain I was feeling was just part of being a woman. I smiled through it, but it wasn’t normal. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong, and you should always listen to that."

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

Putting Family First Amid a Busy Schedule

At 48, Padma juggles multiple roles with ease—Top Chef judge, cookbook author, businesswoman, and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. Yet, despite her jam-packed schedule, she makes family her top priority. "In 10 years, I won’t look back and say, 'Wow, look at all these amazing projects I completed,'" she mused. "What will matter most is whether I was there for Krishna when she needed me." It’s a mindset that reflects her values and reminds us all of what truly matters in life.

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