FAQ : Weight Management

Is dieting a must to lose weight ?

Not at all. In fact when we eat less, the body’s metabolism slows down and also results in deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body. It can also result in hair loss & gastritis. To lose weight, make sure you eat enough during the course of the day but the right kind of food.

Choose fibre rich foods such as fruits, vegetables , whole grain cereals & pulses and proteins in the form of toned milk and its products, lean meat, fish & poultry but avoid fats and sugars.

Is Fat free diet good for losing weight ?

Fat free diets can lead to deficiency of essential fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins A, D, E & K. Satiety value of these diets is low thus making a person feel hungry all the time. The type of fat being consumed is also crucial whether it is saturated or unsaturated fatty acids.

Is margarine less fattening than butter ?

Both margarine and butter contain 85% fat and equal number of calories. Margarine is rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA) as well as Trans Fatty acids, which raises blood cholesterol.

Do juices help reduce weight and cut calorie intake ?

Juices are concentrated sources of energy and have added sugar content. Eating whole fruit would be more beneficial for your health.

Does Healthy food means bland food ?

This is not true. Traditional spices provide the necessary taste and flavour to the food. At the same time, they are rich in micronutrients, anti-oxidants and fibre. There is no reason to avoid spices, unless they are not tolerated. The only restrictive feature of a healthy diet is its low salt and fat content.

Is Fat content of milk reduced by adding water ?

If water is added, all other ingredients in milk also gets diluted. Skimming is the best way to remove fat from the milk. Other nutrients are retained in skimmed milk.

Can low calorie foods be eaten in unlimited amounts ?

Even low calorie foods have calories which add up and must be burned off regardless of what kind of food we eat. Balance is the key to success.

How can one find out the amount of calories that should be taken per day? Kindly give some tips to stay healthy ?

The amount of calories that one should take per day varies from person to person. It depends on various factors like age, height, weight, lifestyle pattern, daily activities, metabolic rate, etc. This is best decided by a qualified nutritionist. You can get in touch with a professional nutritionist, who depending on your requirement will formulate your calorie chart. In order to be healthy one should follow a balanced diet, indulge in 30 minutes of physical activity, drink plenty of water, and be active throughout the day.

I am allergic to both milk and Soya products. What should I include in my diet in order to prevent calcium deficiency ?

Milk and Soya are not the only sources of Calcium. Calcium intake can be increased in various ways. You can supplement your diet with pulses like Bengal gram, Rajma etc. along with lemon and tomatoes. Fish, green leafy vegetables like methi, spinach and nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, dry coconut etc. are also rich sources of calcium. So try including all these in your diet in some way or the other, as much as you can . This will definitely help you maintain the appropriate calcium level.

Does water help in keeping fat away ?

Water is the key part of any weight – loss programme. One should drink at least 10 -12 glasses of water everyday. It is essential as it helps to reduce fat but is good for overall health as well.

It helps suppress your appetite
It reduces build up of sodium in your body
It reduces fluid retention. This happens when the body does not get enough water and it starts retaining fluids.
It reduces fat deposits
It helps maintain proper muscle tone
It helps the body get rid of waste and toxins
It relieves constipation

Among other fluids, fresh lime water should be preferred. Fresh lime soda ( without sugar ), buttermilk, coconut water, vegetable juice and clear soups are also recommended for a healthy body.

Start your meals with one of the above or just a glass of plain water.