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After winning the Miss Universe crown in 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu quickly became the center of public attention, not just for her achievements, but also for constant scrutiny over her weight. While she had earlier addressed living with celiac disease, the model and actor has now revealed a more relatable factor that quietly influenced her fitness journey.

A Daily Coffee Craving That Turned Into A Routine

Speaking candidly on the Origin Story podcast, Harnaaz shared how a seemingly harmless habit spiraled into a daily indulgence during her time in New York City. Living in a building with a Starbucks made temptation hard to resist.

"It’s so funny. My building in New York had a Starbucks. I could smell the coffee, and I used to just go," she said. What started as a treat soon became a ritual. "I used to order a venti caramel frappuccino, extra drizzle, extra everything. I believe that’s a dessert. After the gym, imagine."

What felt like a reward after workouts slowly became a regular part of her routine, highlighting how small, everyday choices can add up over time.

The Mental Toll Of Body Image And Slow Progress

Beyond physical changes, Harnaaz also spoke about the emotional impact of being trolled for her appearance. At the time, she was trying to stay consistent with her workouts but struggled to see immediate results, a phase many can relate to.

"I used to go to the gym, come back, and feel like I was looking the same," she recalled. "In the beginning, when you go to the gym, that first month, you feel like you might be gaining more weight because you look more puffy or whatever."

The lack of visible progress made the journey even more challenging, amplifying self-doubt and frustration.

When Food Became Emotional Comfort

As the pressure mounted, Harnaaz found herself turning to food for comfort rather than nourishment. It became less about hunger and more about coping with emotions during a difficult period.

"But it became my comfort because I was really upset not to see the change in my body," she admitted. Over time, however, she realized that quick fixes wouldn’t work, and that patience was key.

Finding Balance And Trusting The Process

Harnaaz eventually shifted her mindset, choosing consistency over instant results. Instead of obsessing over the weighing scale, she focused on building a routine and staying committed.

"It took me some time to kind of tell myself that I had to be patient; it’s a process. I’m not going to look at the weighing machine. I’m going to just go, close my eyes, blind myself, and keep doing it. After six months, I saw some results," she said.

Ahead of her Bollywood debut in Baaghi 4 alongside Tiger Shroff last year, Harnaaz appeared to have regained her balance. Her story isn’t about drastic transformations but about recognizing small habits, staying patient, and accepting that progress often comes with imperfect phases.