The Art of Eating Right

In a world where food choices and dietary trends are abundant, it’s easy to lose sight of the fundamental principles of healthy eating. “People often go wrong when it comes to their eating habits. Over-eating, over-nourishing, and over-feeding are things that I feel most people do wrong,” says Dr Manjari Chandra, an expert in the field of nutrition and wellness. “Sometimes, the simplest and most intuitive approach to nutrition is the most effective one,” She adds. 

This blog delves into the nutritional mistakes people often make in their quest for a balanced diet. 

1. The Misconception of Over-Nourishing:

Many of us have grown up believing that nourishing ourselves means consuming large quantities of food. Dr. Chandra challenges this misconception, emphasizing that human physiology does not require excessive food for optimal functioning. She says, “Your body requires very little food for normal, optimal functioning, especially in today’s sedentary urban lifestyle. The urge to over-nourish ourselves and force-feed our children is a common mistake.”

2. The Abandonment of Intuitive Eating:

Dr. Chandra underscores the importance of listening to our bodies and embracing intuitive eating. She notes, “If your body signals a need for rest and sleep, but you ignore it, you create havoc. The same goes for food. Ignoring your body’s hunger, satiety, and dietary requirements disrupts your well-being. We’ve lost touch with our intuitive sense of what our bodies truly need.”

3. The Complexity of Nutritious Food:

In a world where packaged foods often boast elaborate labels and super components, Dr Chandra encourages us to revisit our roots and traditional culinary wisdom. She says, “We associate nutritious food with complexity and costliness. Instead, we should embrace our cultural and traditional knowledge of food. Home-cooked meals with locally sourced ingredients can be incredibly nutritious without fancy, expensive additions.”

4. The Importance of Mindful Eating:

Dr. Chandra stresses the significance of mindfulness in the eating process. Whether studying, working, or enjoying a meal, being mindful enhances our effectiveness. “Eating isn’t a task to be rushed through,” she explains. According to her, to properly process, assimilate, digest, and absorb food, our bodies require a certain physiological process. It involves saliva production, digestive enzyme release, and proper pH levels. Chewing food thoroughly is crucial. She says, “Just as you make time for other aspects of your life, you should be mindful about how you sit and eat your food.”

Overcomplicating Diet:

In the age of fad diets and quick-fix solutions, we often forget the basics of good nutrition. The constant chase for the latest dietary trends leads to a complicated relationship with food, where simplicity and balance are lost.

These insights from Dr Chandra shed light on common misconceptions about nourishment and food consumption. Her wisdom encourages us to reevaluate our approach to eating, emphasizing the importance of intuitive eating, simplicity in nutrition, and mindful consumption. By understanding these principles, we can foster healthier relationships with food and improve our overall well-being.

About Dr. Manjari Chandra

Dr. Manjari Chandra is a renowned Functional Nutritionist specializing in Nutritional Medicine. She has contributed to several leading hospitals including Max Healthcare, Manipal Hospitals, and Columbia Asia. As a respected figure in public health, Dr. Chandra has been a keynote speaker at various conferences and symposiums organized by prestigious entities like ASSOCHAM, FICCI, HEAL, FSSAI, TAAI, and ISMA. Her professional scope extends beyond clinical coaching, encompassing roles as a speaker, media personality, and published author.