PUNE: As various trends constantly emerge and fade around us, advice such as never eating carbohydrates, avoiding fats in meals, avoiding gluten, or increasing only protein intake is often given. However, renowned celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar advises people to focus on a balanced traditional diet for a sustainable lifestyle.
Diwekar was speaking at an event organized by P M Shah Foundation in Pune at the National Film Archive of India on Law College Road. Diwekar also expressed a clear opinion that this food-related conflict, filled with doubts and misconceptions, should come to an end.
P M Shah Foundation’s Director, Adv. Chetan Gandhi, Mukulika Shah of Jyotichand Bhaichand Jewellers, and Saraswati Mehta of P M Shah Foundation were present on the occasion. Mukulika Shah felicitated Rujuta Diwekar during the event. The launch of Diwekar’s latest book, “The Commonsense Diet,” also took place during the program. The program was conducted in an interactive Q&A format by anchor Vasundhara Kashikar and organizer Adv. Chetan Gandhi.
During the program, Rujuta Diwekar said, “The notion that women should only start taking care of themselves after the age of 40 needs to change. Women in every household should prioritize their health from birth. Women should focus on themselves rather than getting caught up in cooperation, collaboration, and compromise throughout their lives. It’s not just about looking slim in selfies after 40, but about being healthy, which is what’s truly important.”
Diwekar clearly stated that the idea that being slim equates to being healthy is a misconception. She further added, “Over the past few years, men’s involvement in the kitchen has decreased, and it needs to increase. Along with this, we should bring back the traditional practice of serving full meals with rice, which was once a staple in our diet. I believe we should also revive the tradition of treating guests with love and care, serving them with satisfaction, and making them feel welcome.”
Diwekar emphasized that one should never eat with doubts or negativity and should not reject food, as rejecting food is akin to rejecting love. She advised people to prioritize local, seasonal, and traditional foods.
Diwekar also mentioned that “fusion food” is confusing. Instead of creating something entirely new by giving a twist to traditional dishes, she suggested preparing food in traditional ways. “Keep TV and mobile phones away while eating, and be grateful for the food you have. Use common sense when it comes to your diet,” she advised.
Diwekar pointed out that our traditional diet includes everything we need, but we often fail to give it the importance it deserves. She also enlightened the audience that social media ruins beauty standards, its algorithm has the power to monetize our fear hence one should avoid it.
“Women at home constantly advise others, yet they listen only to Rujuta Diwekar. We are proud of her as a long-standing name in this field from Maharashtra. Her extensive experience and in-depth research reflect clearly in her words,” said Adv. Chetan Gandhi during his introductory remarks.
Mukulika Shah added, “Just as roots nourish a tree, women nourish their families. Their health should not be neglected. It is equally important for women to take care of themselves.”