As a well-qualified dietitian, I would say that nutrition is not just about calories or weight loss. It is the study of food, nutrients their interaction, action, and balance in relation to health and disease. Hence, every aspect, every nutrient, every food group of nutrition has its own value and essence.
1. Tell us about your journey and background.
My name is Rakshita Mehra. I am 21 years old. I am a dietitian, nutritionist, and food safety supervisor. I am the director of a healthcare company, namely Nutrishala. I have done my graduation from lady Irwin college, Delhi university in BSC. Home Science.
Currently, I am pursuing a master's in foods and nutrition from amity university, Noida. My journey was no less than a roller coaster ride. I proudly call it my nutrijourney. Unexpectedly, I fell in love with food and nutrition during my college time. Then, there was no looking back.
From starting my own venture, getting invited to conduct webinars to seeing my articles getting published in esteemed newspapers and magazines, I have cherished it all. I am grateful to God and everyone who supported me in making my journey successful. Now, I wholeheartedly believe that we must work towards our dreams as dreams do come true.
2. When did you first decide that you wanted to be a nutritionist?
Honestly, I never thought about becoming a nutritionist. I even was unaware that there is a profession like this. I have always wanted to become a doctor since childhood. However, things went downhill and I lost interest in MBBS in the twelth class. After all this, one of my friends told me to book a seat at BSC. Home Science in Delhi university and I did that.
It all started unexpectedly. I explored different fields of home science in the first year of my college. In the following year, I did an internship at the dietetics department of Safdarjung hospital, Delhi and finally, I realized that I have a keen interest in food and nutrition. At that point in time, I decided that now the only goal of mine is to become a nutritionist and dietitian.
3. What aspects of nutrition do you feel are most important to address when consulting with people?
I believe that health is the actual wealth. For optimum health, one of the crucial factors is good nutrition. Well, today we are surrounded by so many pseudo nutrition tips that we have actually misunderstood the literal meaning of nutrition.
As a well-qualified dietitian, I would say that nutrition is not just about calories or weight loss. It is the study of food, nutrients their interaction, action, and balance in relation to health and disease. Hence, every aspect, every nutrient, every food group of nutrition has its own value and essence.
4. According to you what should be an ideal diet for today’s youth?
According to me in the field of nutrition one size fits all approach doesn’t apply. Everybody is unique in their own way. However, I feel that we are forgetting our traditional roots. Balance and simplicity of the meal are of utmost importance which is missing from our diets. Our diet must be homemade, simple, and balanced.
Our diet must include portions of all the essential nutrients for instance carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, fiber, water, and lots of love and gratitude. This will make a perfect diet and will help in preventing diseases and maintaining better health.
5. Your advice to our readers who are willing to follow a healthy diet plan.
I would like to request all my young fellas that let's not eliminate any nutrient from our diet be it carbohydrates or fats. Let’s not just fall into the traps of pseudo nutritionists. Let’s worship our food instead of getting scared of it. By following a fad or crash diet, by starving yourself, by practicing a strict diet, and by skipping meals you are yourself sending an invitation to diseases and deficiencies.
You are losing weight at the cost of your health and immunity. A healthy diet must make you healthy. A healthy diet plan does not come with a fancy name and arbitrary rules. It is sustainable, simple, and balanced. It must make your relationship with food stronger and better.
6. Which is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is Ikigai. Ikigai is a life-changing book for me. It makes you realize that there is a purpose behind this life. It uncovers all the aspects of a long happy life be it staying active, thinking positive, and eating well. It will give you a sense of motivation to jump out of bed every morning. It is as unique as its name, Ikigai.
Rakshita Mehra - Food and Nutrition Expert | Founder and Director of a Health and Wellness company, Nutrishala
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