1. Tell us more about yourself and your profession.
I am Dietician Gauri Anand, a clinical dietician and a diabetic educator. My social media handle is @balancedbitesbygauri which is available on Instagram, Facebook and my official website is www.balancedbitesbygauri.com. I have completed my post-graduation in nutrition with additional qualification of a certified diabetic educator.
My main focus is to spread awareness that one has to eat right, not less. I have transformed many people till now and look forward to doing the same.
2. What is your fitness mantra?
My fitness mantra is Eat right, not less. I keep telling people that starvation is not the key for anything. Maintaining the proportion size is what one needs. This will help to reduce the extra calories that one consumes even if it’s not required. Mindful eating should always be taken care off.
Eating right helps to curb the hunger pangs and it helps to understand how much our body actually wants to eat. Overeating is one of the things which everyone does because of not indulging into mindful eating.
3. What are some of the major misconceptions about diets and exercises?
The major misconception about diet and exercise is that cardio means more weight loss but actually in order to lose weight a calorie deficit diet and activities that trigger post oxygen consumption is required. Another misconception that I mostly hear is about eliminating carbs from the diet routine. As I mentioned above, portion size is the key.
If one needs to lose weight then carbs can be consumed too as they have some important functions to play for our body. Maintain the portion size and indulge in mindful eating.
The third myth is that strength training can make women bulk up but rather if the nutrition is right then it helps to lean. The fourth myth is about consuming fats. People generally think that fats need to be restricted but actually healthy fats are very important for our body such as walnuts, almonds, chia and flax seeds, etc.
The last myth I’d like to talk about is Green tea. Everyone thinks that green tea is meant for weight loss but in reality for weight loss, one needs to maintain a calorie deficit diet. Green tea has a lot of health benefits like boosting metabolism, being rich in antioxidants which make it good for health. Green tea is not meant for weight loss and it can be consumed by the people for the betterment of health.
4. How can one maintain a healthy lifestyle?
A person can only be healthy when they tend to work on their physical and mental health. A person should have at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Along with it, it’s very important to compliment activity with a healthy diet. A healthy diet consists of all the food groups which include carbs, protein, vegetables, fruits, nuts in a balanced proportion. Good water intake with regular sleep cycle should also be incorporated.
5. How can one build a successful career in your field?
Nutrition is a field which is growing and growing each day. I feel lucky to be a part of this field. One can opt to work as a Dietician/Nutritionist or even work in the food industry. Nutrition is one field which has a lot of branches that one can choose as per their interests. A person can also work as a lecturer through this field.
6. What is one piece of advice you would like to give someone who wishes to lose weight?
My one advice to a person who wishes to lose weight will that maintain a calorie deficit diet with some physical activity. Choose that diet which makes you happy rather than opting for fad diets. If a person will take it as a lifestyle modification then he/she will be able to maintain and sustain the weight loss.
7. How do diets and exercise contribute to overall well being and happiness?
Diet and exercise contribute to the overall well being because it makes a person feel more confident. A boost of happy hormones is there if you are working out well. Such a regime also helps to reduce stress. As I always say that ‘Health does not value until sickness comes’ so if our health is in a good condition then overall our well being gets better.
Interview By - Suhani Mangleek
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