How to Create a Healthy Plate? ft. Celeb Nutritionist Pooja Makhija | What the Health! Podcast #6
Sep 5, 2023
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Pooja Makhija, a renowned celebrity nutritionist, has helped Bollywood stars transform their diets and health. In this engaging conversation, she debunks common nutrition myths and emphasizes the importance of a balanced relationship with food. Pooja discusses the psychological factors behind sugar cravings and advocates for traditional Indian foods. She also highlights the significance of gut health, active living, and personalized nutrition, all while sharing insights on postpartum hair loss and managing PCOS through lifestyle changes.
The podcast highlights the dangerous love-hate relationship many individuals have with food, exacerbated by conflicting dietary advice and misinformation.
Pooja Makhija emphasizes the importance of viewing food holistically, focusing on nourishment rather than calorie counting to support overall health.
The discussion on bio-individuality underscores that nutritional needs vary per person, encouraging personalized approaches to optimize individual health outcomes.
Deep dives
Misunderstanding Food and Health
Many people have developed a distorted relationship with food, often viewing it as either an enemy or a source of comfort. This dichotomy creates a love-hate dynamic where food is linked to emotional responses like celebration or sadness. The speaker emphasizes that the food industry and health professionals often lack alignment, contributing to confusion and misinformation. Consequently, individuals find themselves overwhelmed by dietary advice that varies widely, leaving them unsure of what to believe.
The Importance of Nurturing vs. Dieting
Dieting culture often focuses on restriction, promoting the idea that one must eliminate foods to achieve health goals. This perspective can be harmful, as it neglects the necessity of nurturing the body with adequate nutrients. The speaker argues that food should be viewed not merely as calories to count but as an essential source of nourishment for every aspect of health. By emphasizing the body's need for carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, the conversation promotes a more holistic approach to nutrition.
Individualization of Diet and Nutrition
The concept of bio-individuality is highlighted, which asserts that nutritional needs can vary greatly from person to person. The speaker encourages individuals to listen to their bodies and understand what specific foods work best for them instead of adhering to generalized dietary rules. This personalized approach is crucial for addressing unique health concerns and optimizing overall well-being. By focusing on individual responses to foods, one can determine what contributes to their health and vitality.
The Dangers of Sugar in Diet
Sugar is identified as a significant player in various health issues, leading to conditions such as insulin resistance and emotional distress. The speaker urges awareness of hidden sugars in foods and emphasizes the addictive nature of sugar, comparing its effects to substances like cocaine. By recognizing the brain's craving for sugar as a psychological habit rather than a physiological need, individuals can work to reduce their sugar intake. The overall message is clear: eliminating or significantly reducing sugar can lead to transformative health improvements.
Gut Health and Its Connection to Overall Wellness
The speaker stresses the vital role of gut health in overall well-being, noting that digestive issues are pervasive yet often normalized. A diverse diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, and minimally processed foods, is vital for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, hydration and movement are essential components that support digestive function and balance. By understanding that gut health encompasses more than just digestion, individuals can appreciate its broader implications on their physical and emotional health.
Welcome to India's first Health Podcast "What the Health!"
In the finale of our first season, we had an insightful and enlightening conversation with Pooja Makhija, a celebrity nutritionist who has transformed the lives of many celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar etc. Watch the whole video to learn more about how food impacts your body, Indian and Western diets, the dependency on sugar, and much more.