Sheena Roy - Wanna Get Fit? Follow This Nurtionist (Certified Nutritionist & Behavioural Change Expert, 94k Followers)

"Forget about perfection and focus on progress. Even if you can only do 10 or 20% of what you planned, it still counts and adds to the pool of progress. If not all, then something at least."

1. Can you share your journey into becoming a nutrition coach and what inspired you to focus on this field?

Becoming a nutrition coach wasn't part of my original plan. From 2012 to 2017, I worked in the corporate sector and also launched my own clothing label. Those years were extremely stressful, and I neglected my health, which led to chronic stress, obesity, acid reflux, and early spondylitis by the age of 28. I realized I needed to prioritize my health, so my husband, Alpha, and I dedicated a year to transforming ourselves—losing excess weight, learning to exercise, and improving our overall well-being. 

Along the way, we became certified as nutrition and behavior change specialists. Since then, we've coached thousands of people worldwide to become healthier. My own experience of struggling with an unhealthy lifestyle inspired me to help others overcome similar challenges.

2. In your experience, what are the most common misconceptions people have about nutrition?

The internet is filled with nutrition myths and misinformation. Common misconceptions include:

1.Carbs are bad for you.

2.Sugar is harmful in any quantity.

3.Salt should be avoided altogether.

4.Protein supplements are detrimental to heal.

5.Detox diets are necessary.

6. Gluten is bad for everyone.

7.Eating late at night causes weight gain.

3. With the rise of social media influencers in the nutrition space, how can individuals discern credible information from trends?

One effective way is to examine the creator’s approach. If they engage in fear-mongering or make polarizing claims, it’s a red flag. Nutrition and health are highly subjective, so anyone asserting there’s only one path to health or instilling fear about certain foods is generally not credible.

4. What are some simple changes someone can make to improve their nutrition today?

I recommend keeping a food log for a few days by taking photos or noting everything consumed. Then, review the log to ensure each meal includes a palm-sized serving of protein, one or two handfuls of vegetables, and generally higher-fiber carbohydrates. This is also a good opportunity to analyze how often you're eating out or choosing less nutritious snacks.

5. Can you discuss the importance of balance and flexibility in a healthy diet?

While some people thrive on stricter diets, most people benefit from including meals they genuinely enjoy. This helps maintain balance while ensuring each meal includes protein, vegetables, and whole grains. For example, a popular dish like rajma chawal can be made more balanced by adding lean protein such as low-fat paneer, tofu, or hung curd. Enjoying what you're eating makes healthy eating more accessible and sustainable.

6. What’s your favorite healthy recipe that you recommend to readers?

My favorite healthy recipe is prawn fried rice. It's a great way to use leftovers while creating a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs.

7. If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their nutrition journey, what would it be?

Forget about perfection and focus on progress. Many people adopt an all-or-nothing mindset, which can be detrimental. Even if you can only do 10 or 20% of what you planned, it still contributes to progress. My motto is: if not all, then something at least.

8. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life (health benefits aside), what would it be?

Pizza, hands down!

Bio: 

Sheena is a certified nutritionist and behavioral change expert, making nutrition and fat loss realistic and achievable. From a demanding corporate career to launching a successful clothing label at 26, and now a fitness coach, Sheena's life has come full circle. Having fought against obesity and transformed her own lifestyle—losing over 20 kg—she now empowers hundreds of thousands worldwide. At 37, she is a personal coach and a popular fitness creator, known for her evidence-based, relatable approach to diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

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Interviewed by: Suhaanei

Edited by: Mishika Goel