Dr Vidhi Chawla is a certified nutritionist and a homeopathic physician who works on the motive ‘prevention is better than cure’. Everyone wants a perfect and healthy body but struggles to work for it. She is one of those who does not believe in having the “all or nothing” mindset. She simplifies the concept of nutrition and makes it her passion to help others choose mindfully through one-on-one coaching sessions.
She shares her fantastic content of food recipes, busting myths, and a few simple tips for nutrition through her social media pages. We all fall into the pattern of losing weight and gaining it back again. Dr Vidhi makes it look so easy with simple habits that can be followed throughout our lives. A nutritionist who insists on the fact that ‘balance is key’.
Icy Tales is in conversation with Dr Vidhi Chawla who ensures her clients understand their relationship with food and promote healthy habits for a better future.
Q) For someone who has had an eating disorder or an unhealthy eating pattern for many years, it must be difficult to be in that kind of situation, especially to suddenly change into a healthy lifestyle. Could you suggest a few simple tips which can be followed long-term?
Dr Vidhi Chawla – So, an eating disorder basically develops when you see food as something that you should feel guilty about, which usually puts you in a very unhealthy relationship with food. A lot of times when you engage with foods like burgers and chocolates, it’s followed instantly by guilt. We indulge in thoughts like “Oh my god I shouldn’t have eaten that”, “Probably I should skip dinner”, and “I should overexercise tomorrow”. This is an eating disorder. We look at food as something which we should feel guilty about. Food is the source of your energy and I think the biggest problem with that culture is demonizing food, sugar, and processed foods like a bag of chips or maybe a pizza.
When we demonize food, we start seeing our food as good and bad. This is exactly where we develop an eating disorder. So, for someone who has always struggled with food and has been in that vicious cycle of binging and restricting foods and again binging, the biggest tip I can give you is to be kind to yourself. When you are constantly being hard on yourself and judging yourself for your food choices, you will never get out of that circle. You must be kind to yourself.
That is the number one step. You start understanding why we associate food with emotions. Because there is a difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger. Physical hunger is when you eat a good meal you feel satiated. But emotional hunger strikes within seconds. It is either triggered by a deep emotion that you want to numb, or you’re just stressed about something. Stop having that all-or-nothing mindset.
Q2) How often can a person have a cheat meal while they’re on their diet? What’s the reality?
Dr Vidhi Chawla – First, I don’t like using the word “cheat”, because it is a very negative word. I see food as my relationship so imagine having to cheat in a relationship. Again, stop addressing food like pizza, burgers, or any food as good or bad or even as a cheat meal for that matter. Second, when you are eating a very healthy diet, i.e., high in micronutrients like veggies because they are high in fiber.
And you’re getting enough protein and carbs, you will feel very good, you will feel very energetic, and you will sleep so peacefully that you won’t even feel like having any junk. But once a week you would want to relax and order something. So, I would suggest one to two times a week is good. But if you’re having biscuits and chocolates on a regular basis then I wouldn’t consider it as a “cheat meal”. Again, all these situations are triggered by having the all-or-nothing mentality.
Q3) As protein shakes are becoming viral among teenagers who visit the gym regularly, there are many opinions and rumors on how protein shakes are harmful, and on the other side, it is not as dangerous as people refer to them. What is your opinion? Do you think protein shakes are harmful?
Dr Vidhi Chawla – So I have a very neutral opinion on this. On Instagram I’m there as a doctor and a nutritionist so I feel the responsibility of not sharing incorrect information. When I see my clients, I always tell them not to follow general instructions that they see on Instagram, mainly because when we compare two bodies, your body and lifestyle are very different from mine. Even your metabolism. Your family history. We cannot have a generalized opinion, especially on health when we have so many differences.
I get messages saying, “I followed this diet from an influencer and now I’m suffering from another problem”. This is why it is very harmful to follow a generalized approach. I have clients who consume protein shakes every day and clients who don’t consume them but still exercise. I train seven days a week and it’s mainly for my mental purpose. I consume protein shakes, three days a week. Because that suits my body. So, when it comes to protein shakes or any supplements always consider your doctor. So, my take on protein shakes is very neutral.
Dr. Vidhi Chawla makes understanding food and nutrition easier by sharing her own experience as well as simple lifestyle changes that can be followed for a long time instead of intense crash diets. In this world where people seem to be addicted to social media and running trends very quickly, it is important to realize that all that glitters isn’t gold. Which means that we must not believe everything we see. Dr. Vidhi also promotes self-awareness and self-love to have a healthy lifestyle, both, mentally and physically.
Check out the complete conversation with Dr Vidhi Chawla on our YouTube Channel.
