We all have, at some or another, planned to go on a diet or have been on one. The biggest questions are what to eat, when to eat, in what quantity a particular food item can be eaten, or what should be eliminated from our diet? We are often confused by such questions and Googling them increases the confusion rather than ending it. Shilpa Shetty Kundra, the fitness queen of Bollywood, answers the top FAQs about being on a diet.
1. What can you eat post 9 PM?
Shilpa suggests not to eat anything which is raw post 5 PM. She follows the same advice herself.
If there is a craving for something to munch on, you can eat roasted makhanas and a small amount of nuts which are very filling for the stomach and helps to energise the body as well.
2. Can you lose weight with diet alone?
Dieting alone is never enough, says Shilpa. It should always be accompanied by certain amount of workout which is required by the body to keep fit. Weight loss should always be a combination of a balanced diet and workout which helps the body to burn extra fat.
3. Will quitting sugar help you lose weight?
There are two types of sugar, one is artificial and the other is natural. The natural sugar is present in fruits and vegetables and is a must for the body. The artificial sugar is present in the processed food and we should avoid it when on a diet. Natural sugar is the way to go as they break slowly, and with fruits the body gets the right amount of vitamins and nutrients.
4. Are dry fruits fattening?
Many will be shocked to know that dry fruits are not fattening and are not even loaded with sugar. Dry fruits are considered a nutritious and healthy snack, but of course when eaten in the right quantity.
5. Is it good to have a cheat day?
Shilpa is all up for a cheat day as she herself makes it a point to go for a Sunday-binge to satisfy her cravings from throughout the week. She makes it a point to follow her diet and workout regime all through the week, but on Sunday she satisfies her sweet tooth and suggests the same.
6. Is starving yourself good for weight loss?
Shilpa suggests one should never starve themselves as that is not the right way. For Shilpa, starving is a big NO. Starving may help with short-term weight loss, but as soon as you go back to eating, you will gain back all the weight. She suggests a healthy and balanced diet for weight loss.
7. What should you order at restaurants if you're dieting?
Dinning out is the toughest while a person is on a diet. But Shilpa has a quick tip which can make it easier for the ones on a diet to go dine out without feeling guilty. Opt for a a low sodium, low carb diet, she says.
8. Is Keto a good option?
There has been a lot of buzz about the Keto diet and a lot of people are keen about going on it. In the present day scenario, a lot people want to go for it as it guarantees weight loss, but for Shilpa, Keto is not the way to lose weight. She instead suggests a balanced diet as it is an easier and healthy option.
9. How can you satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your diet?
The one’s who keep craving sweets, but still want to do it the healthy way can always try jaggery. Jaggery or gudh helps to purify the blood and is a perfect option to satisfy sweet cravings.
10. Should you eat fruits at night?
A lot of people want to keep it light for dinner and want to go for fruits instead of a proper meal. Shilpa personally avoids fruits post 5 PM and suggests anything raw should not be taken in the evening.
Cameraperson: Sanjoy Deb
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)