Protein bar or poha? Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar picks healthier food choices

Protein bar or poha: : Rujuta Diwekar, who is quite vocal about local foods, picked poha over protein bars (Images: Canva)

Kareena Kapoor’s nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has long encouraged home-cooked meals over packaged foods. Her new video on Instagram is no different. In a ‘This and That’ game, she picked foods that may not be fancy but are packed with health benefits.

She said, “It doesn’t matter whether it says hashtag protein, hashtag gut health, hashtag Omega 3. Jitna packet khulta hai, utna pet phulta hai (the more packet food you eat, the higher your chances of becoming obese).”

While making her choices, Rujuta also explained her reasons in a way that may resonate with many.

Also read | Best diet tips: What to eat to maintain energy from morning to night

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Here’s what she was asked…

Keto or Khichdi: Unsurprisingly, she picked Khichdi, adding, “Keto is a trend that is in today and out tomorrow. Khichdi is a legacy recipe that has lived for thousands of years and will continue to live long after we are gone.” For those who might not know, Khichdi also happens to be Kareena’s favourite, as she confessed to eating it several times a week.

Health benefits of buffalo milk and almond milk: Rujuta Diwekar said, “Milk that goes bad if you don’t boil it on time—that’s the best kind of milk. Buffalo milk or cow milk any day (Images: Canva)

Also read | Healthy diet tips: Hit your daily protein target in 8 simple steps

Almond milk or buffalo milk: Rujuta said, “Milk that goes bad if you don’t boil it on time—that’s the best kind of milk. Buffalo milk or cow milk any day.” Several studies suggest that cow or buffalo milk is much more nutrient-dense than almond milk.

Protein Bar or Poha: The nutritionist, who is quite vocal about local foods, picked poha over protein bars, saying, “Jitna packet khulta hai, utna pet phulta hai (the more packet food you eat, the higher your chances of becoming obese). The stuff you make at home is infinitely healthier than any kind of bar.”

In an earlier video, Rujuta talked about the comfort of eating foods the body is familiar with. She suggested going back to good old recipes rather than fancy foods that keep getting replaced.

“When you eat something that is 500–800 years old, it feels really good, it has a calming effect. Now we know gut bacteria is inherited. So even the microorganisms that reside within us recognise khichdi, parathas, idlis, etc. But when we eat something in English like a berry smoothie or avocado toast, it will soon be replaced by the next big thing in five years. Gut bacteria is never really happy, no matter how much fibre or protein it has on paper. Document, practice, and share meals.”

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However, she added, “This doesn’t mean don’t eat anything modern. Explore and enjoy all kinds of cuisines, but that should not be a daily affair. Twenty percent of your meals can be fashionable and 80 percent should be home-cooked food.”

FAQs on healthy diet choices

1. Why does Rujuta Diwekar prefer home-cooked meals over packaged foods?

Rujuta Diwekar believes that home-cooked meals are healthier and more beneficial than packaged foods, which can contribute to obesity.

2. What is Rujuta Diwekar’s opinion on the Keto diet vs. Khichdi?

Rujuta prefers Khichdi over the Keto diet, citing Khichdi’s long-standing legacy and health benefits.

3. Which milk does Rujuta Diwekar recommend, almond milk or buffalo milk?

Rujuta recommends buffalo or cow milk over almond milk due to its higher nutrient content.

4. Why does Rujuta Diwekar choose poha over protein bars?

Rujuta chooses poha over protein bars because home-cooked foods are generally healthier than packaged options.

5. Should we avoid modern foods entirely according to Rujuta Diwekar?

No, Rujuta suggests enjoying modern foods occasionally, but the majority of meals should be home-cooked.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.