Photo:David Moir/Bravo via Getty Images

TOP CHEF – “Holiday Vacation” Episode 2005 – Pictured: (l-r) Adam Handling, Padma Lakshmi

David Moir/Bravo via Getty Images

Padma Lakshmiis opening up about her fitness routine after filmingTop Chef.

The Bravo host, who recentlyannounced her departure from the showafter 17 years, spoke with PEOPLE about her workout routine and eating habits after several weeks of filming the show, which requires sampling and judging an exorbitant number of meals per day. Elimination challenges alone could mean taste testing over 10 bites at once.

“I’m usually anywhere from a size four to a size six normally, but I can get up to a size 10 afterTop Chef,” she says. “I always go back down to my normal weight, but it takes me 10 weeks to do that.”

Lakshmi says she looks forward to eating a “nice, consistent diet of normal person’s food” when the show wraps.

“I’m mostly plant-based at home. I’m not saying I’m a total vegetarian, but I tend not to eat that much red meat anyway in my personal life,” she adds.

She also focuses on her fitness routine. “My postTop Chefworkout [is about] getting back into shape,” she says, adding that she relies on cardio to be “fit and toned.”

But there’s one specific practice that keeps her grounded.

Earlier this month, Lakshmi, whose Hulu showTaste the Nationis in its second season,announced this season ofTop Chefwould be her last.

“After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leaveTop Chef,” the host and judge wrote on Instagram. “Having completed a glorious 20th season as host and executive producer, I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show."

“I feel it’s time to move on and make space forTaste the Nation,my books and other creative pursuits," Lakshmi added of her award-winning Hulu series.

Lakshmi has starred on the series since its second season, which aired in 2006.Katie Lee Biegel hosted season 1.

Her replacement has not yet been named.

source: people.com