Diet - the scary 4 letter word
In this second article on health, I dive into the key component of getting healthy and NO it isn't workouts but diet!!
Ah, diet—the four-letter word that haunts our dreams and makes us second-guess that extra slice of pizza. We've all been there, embarking on the latest diet craze with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store (ironically, the very place we're supposed to avoid). But why is dieting so darn tough? And what misconceptions are we swallowing along with our kale smoothies? Let’s dive in, shall we?
Why Is Dieting So Tough?
Biology: Your Body's Not-So-Secret Saboteur
Imagine your body as that overprotective grandparent who insists you need just one more paratha before leaving the dining table. When you start losing weight, your body goes into panic mode, fearing famine. It decreases leptin (the "I'm full" hormone) and increases ghrelin (the "I'm hungry" hormone), making you feel like you could devour an entire buffet. Thanks, body.
The Obesogenic Environment: A Fancy Term for 'Temptation Everywhere'
We live in a world where calorie-laden delights are as common as WhatsApp forwads. From drive-thrus to vending machines, unhealthy food options are everywhere. It’s like trying to stay dry in a rainstorm without an umbrella. Or like being on a diet and someone offers you free cake.
Psychological Factors: The Mind Games
Stress, emotions, and that one friend who always says, "Just one bite won’t hurt" (LIES!) can derail even the best intentions. Emotional eating isn’t just about willpower—our brains are wired to seek pleasure, and unfortunately, that double-chocolate brownie delivers it in spades.
Common Misconceptions About Dieting
"Weight Loss = Success"
When I put on weight, I obsessed over the scale. But here’s the truth: 1 kg of muscle = 1 kg of fat. If I lose fat and gain muscle, the scale might not move, but my body is getting healthier.
"Weighing scale in kitchen > Bathroom scale"
Weighing everything before eating might seem extreme, but it works. I never gained weight as a kid—not because I was on a diet, but because I burned more than I ate. As an adult, my lifestyle changed, and so did my intake. The first thing I bought? A kitchen scale. Game-changer.
"All Calories Are Created Equal"
If only! While a calorie is a unit of energy, the source of that calorie matters. Eating 200 calories of almonds is not the same as 200 calories of gummy bears. One gives you nutrients and satiety; the other gives you regret and a sugar crash.
"Low-fat diets are the best for weight loss"
I used to believe this too… man, was I wrong! Fats play an important role in your overall health. The key is to focus on healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and fatty fish. Cutting fat entirely? Bad idea.
"Carbs Are the Enemy"
Poor carbohydrates—they've been vilified more than a Bollywood villain. But not all carbs are bad. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet. The problem is that in Indian eating habits (including mine), carbs (rice, rotis, pasta, etc.) became the center of the plate, while proteins and fats played the role of an extra. That needed to switch!
"Fasting is bad"
For years, I pulled my mom’s leg about her Ekadashi fasting. Turns out, fasting (14+ hours) helps detox the body, kick-starts autophagy (a process where the body cleans out damaged cells), and is backed by Nobel Prize-winning research. Now, I fast daily and join my mom for a 40-hour Ekadashi fast twice a month. Detox, baby!
"Fad Diets Are the Key to Quick Weight Loss"
Ah, the allure of the fad diet—promising rapid weight loss if you only eat grapefruits while standing on one leg. These diets are unsustainable and lead to nutrient deficiencies. Just like investing, your body needs time to change. I abused mine for 30+ years; I can’t fix it in 1 or 2. Slow and steady wins the race.
"You Can Out-Exercise a Bad Diet"
If only! Exercise matters, but it’s not a free pass to eat like a human garbage disposal. Nutrition and movement go hand in hand—ignore one, and you sabotage both.
5 Changes That Work for Me
Set Realistic Goals: Aim for sustainable changes rather than quick fixes. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a six-pack.
I am what I eat:
I eat very little white Carbohydrates - bread, rice, potatoes (oh maan i used to love fried potatoes), tortiallas and cereal.
Boring is good - I stick to 3 food categories - Proteins (Chicken, eggs, beef etc), Legumes (Beans and Lentils) and Vegetables (Leafy veggies).
Reduce Liquid Calories - I love my alcohol but I now watch what I drink.
Moderate Fruits - All fruits have fructose with some more than the other.
Fasting rocks - Fasting really helped me and I try various forms of this.
Seek Support: Friends, family, or even an online community can make a huge difference. There are great sources online! My personal favorites are
and who break down food myths like a pro.Customize: Just like financial plans should be customized to your goals, so should your diet. One-size-fits-all diets are a scam.
Tools & Resources to Make Dieting Easier
Fittr - A great one stop source to get Fitter
MyFitnessPal - Tracks calories and macros.
Eat This Much - Helps meal planning based on your dietary needs.
Cronometer - Nutrient tracker for those who like extreme detail.
Final Thoughts
Dieting is tough, not because we lack discipline, but because biology, environment, and psychology gang up on us. By debunking common misconceptions and using smart tools, we can navigate the dieting maze without losing our sanity—or our sense of humor.
Now, about that extra slice of pizza... maybe just half? 😏
Next week, we talk about working out!!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.