Supplier Spotlight An Interview With Dietician Dr. Sheela Seherawat

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Expert dietician and nutritionist Dr. Sheela Seherawat of Diet Clinic provides our brides with a healthy dose of motivation for getting and staying in shape in this week’s supplier spotlight feature!

Dietician Dr Sheela Seherawat Diet Clinic

Has weight-loss become the biggest priority for the Indian bride to be?

Nothing could compare with the excitement of getting married and the thought of being in the best shape of life on one’s wedding day. It is not only about losing love handles but more so about feeling confident, getting praised from loved ones and fitting into a figure-enhancing lehenga. Considering all that, weight loss and getting in shape is definitely the top priority for any Indian bride-to-be. After all, each one wants to look fabulous in her lehengas, backless cholis or mermaid-style western wedding gowns. Getting in shape also makes one confident, and who does not want that reflected on their big day?

What advice do you give brides to be, who want fast weight loss and are even willing to use unhealthy measures for it?

As an advice to all brides looking forward to get in top shape by their D-Day, keeping a goal in mind is the most important thing to do. And not just the goal of weight loss; but one that is realistic and sustainable. For example, major weight loss –say about 20 kilos in one month- is not at all a realistic goal. On the other hand, a weight loss of 6 to 8 kilos in that period is definitely possible.

Naturally, it is highly advisable to take recommendations and guidance from dieticians who formulate a meal plan for each bride/groom to be. Such a plan is designed for specific needs-whether it just to lose the flab or get in shape or even tone certain areas. If you really want to do this all by yourself, you must make sure to follow a healthy and well-balanced diet/workout plan. Unhealthy measures like starving will only lead to weaknesses, depression and even unnecessary binges. It is extremely important to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds along with healthy proteins in one’s diet. Similarly, one needs to drink plenty of water. Remember nutritious, low calorie and healthy meals and snacks are the key to sustainable weight loss.

What are the dangers of fad diets?

Fad diets promise easy and quick weight loss and are easy to find and fall prey to. A quick weight loss programme might seem an excellent idea at first, but you will soon discover the dangers to your health due to following reasons:

  • You could develop serious digestive problems. Losing weight too quickly leads to severe diarrhea, followed by bouts of constipation. Prolonged diarrhea could lead to dehydration which could also be life threatening.
  • You tend to get tired often and too quickly. It all happens because fad diets deprive you of calories and it is those calories that are translated into energy which the body needs to function.
  • You could suffer from malnutrition as these diets restrict you from consuming certain necessary nutrients including healthy carbs and good fats. This is not just unhealthy, it is unsafe too since it deprives you of vitamins and minerals which the body needs for optimal functioning.
  • You could be getting dehydrated as fad diets focus on dropping weight too quickly as majority of the weight you lose fast is the water weight.

interview with dietician sheela seherawat

Image: Neha Brackstone Photography

What is a healthy time-frame for losing up to or more than 10 kilos? How many months prior to the big day should a bride start her diet/exercise regime in such cases?

There could not be a concrete and perfect period to determine the exact time frame one would require to lose a particular amount of weight as every individual’s body is different and how they respond to diets and exercise differs. However, following a healthy and well-balanced diet along with regular exercises will certainly do the job faster. On an average, for most people, losing about 8 to 10 kilos by following recommendations strictly, usually takes 2 to 3 months.It is very important to remember that losing weight is not impossible. Start as early as possible and take the decision to lose weight as soon as possible. It is always better and healthier to go slow and steady. Remember: if you want to lose a considerable amount of weight in a safe way, you should plan to begin at least 3 to 4 months in advance.

How do you get brides to be patient? How do you set realistic expectations?

Eating smart is what we should all be doing for our health, and it’s usually what we never do. Develop a strong reason for the weight loss and stick to a plan to get the results you desire. You just have to be patient and focus on your goal. Take advice and guidance from experts to who can also provide motivation so that you can be the pretty, shapely bride you have always dreamed of. The first thing to do after you have decided to lose weight is to believe in yourself and on your mentor; that is a surefire route to success.

Here is a brief summary of steps to help you further set up a realistic expectation and achieve it:

  • Stay relaxed; do not stress too much about weight loss.
  • Eat sensibly as suggested.
  • Keep your focus on your goal.
  • Totally stay away from alcohol and caffeine.
  • Sleep well.
  • Plan for things in advance to avoid unnecessary tension and mismatch of schedules.
  • Eat in moderation and do not binge.
  • Exercise regularly and stay happy.

interview with dietician sheela seherawat

Image: Radha Photos

Please give our readers some general advice about diet, exercise etc.?

Plenty of people have been successful at losing weight and keeping it off over the long term. Here are some top tips for what works when it comes to slimming down the healthy and effective way:

  • Have a goal and commit to it.
  • Be patient and do not use the weighing scale daily.
  • Drink plenty of water; always stay hydrated.
  • Surround yourself with positive, like-minded and health-conscious people.
  • Control portion sizes.
  • Cut down on sweets.
  • Never skip eating fruits and vegetables.
  • Always eat healthy breakfast.
  • Exercise daily.
  • Get plenty of sleep.

How can brides maintain their weight after the wedding?

Once the big day is over and everything has gone as desired and planned, couples start gaining weight. Most get lazy and lose all the zeal they had during the planning phase. A dietician can help you stay on track with these easy tips to retain healthy lifestyle and stay fit after the wedding ceremony:

  • Cook healthy and low-calorie meals.
  • Stock healthy and delicious snacks and foods.
  • Plan out couple activities together-get your spouse on the same track.
  • Workout with your partner; couples who exercise together, stay together!
  • Try not miss out on your workout despite post-wedding parties.
  • Control binge and refrain from unhealthy snacks and sweets.
  • Stay motivated.

We hope these tips help our brides and grooms attain their best shape yet! Get in touch with Dr. Seharawat today by clicking this link.

Main Image: Clicksunlimited Photography

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