Keto, intermittent, Paleo, Whole30, Mediterreanean and more are just a few kinds of fad diets. At some point of time, you must have heard of at least one of these. But, what is a fad diet? A fad diet is a trendy weight-loss plan that promises dramatic results. Typically, these diets are not healthy and don't result in long-term weight loss. In fact, some diets actually can be dangerous to your health.
Dr Chintal Patel has been practicing at the NHS as a GP in London for the last 12 years. She comes from an Indian background where food has always been a huge part of her life. She started helping in the kitchen at a young age and has been independently cooking from age 10. She also believes that food doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated to be healthy and delicious. Asian Voice spoke to her about the rage that “fad diets” are, especially during Covid-19.
1. Please talk about fad diets in the context of Covid-19 where so many people who were already following certain diets - say Keto or Paleo - or Intermittent diets without any particular prescription or reason. How fatal can they be?
I always worry about 'fad diets' in any context but particularly with respect to the South Asian community given our genetic predisposition to certain chronic illnesses. This is especially so if taken on without any medical or nutritional advice. Whilst many diets actually have a role in actually helping to treat some medical conditions, if taken to the extreme they can actually be harmful to our health.
It is important to consider all aspects of health; a very strict dietary regime can affect one's mental health as well as physical health. Food is not just fuel for our bodies, it is for enjoyment too. Within the South Asian community food is often a way to connect with family and is celebrated at every festival. For example, being overly restrictive with your diet may affect your ability to join in celebrations or accept Prasad at temples.
That being said, obesity is a risk factor for a worsening prognosis with Covid-19 so a healthy diet definitely plays a role in leading a healthy lifestyle.
2. Covid-19 has made almost everyone conscious of their eating habits. Yet, what does one do (especially belonging to Asian - Indian community) when it comes to eating right during a pandemic? What can we learn from this crisis in terms of our food habits?
I think that the main effect Covid-19 and lockdown has had is that it has given people more time to spend at home and actually encouraged so many people to cook from scratch more often. This in my opinion is a huge positive. I can certainly vouch that during the period of lockdown, the feedback and interaction on my blog (www.drchintalskitchen.com) was the highest it has ever been. I received a lot of feedback about how people were enjoying spending time as a family cooking together mindfully rather than just a means to an end. I think this is the main lesson to be learned from this period of reflection. It takes me back to my childhood when life was less fast paced, we had time to slow down and as a family we all cooked together and ate our meals together.
However, working in inner London, I have also seen a negative impact for some of my patients. Difficulties accessing fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables especially in lower income families means eating a healthy balanced diet can be challenging for many.
3. As per the quintessential Indian food choices and traditions (keeping in mind we're in the month of Navratri when people fast and Diwali is next month), what do we need to keep in mind as a community while being able to enjoy the festival food since BAME community continues to be more vulnerable to the virus, especially those with underlying heart condition and diabetes.
Research shows that BAME communities are more likely to be vulnerable to the virus for many reasons. In addition, the South Asian community is genetically more predisposed to risk factors such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
With upcoming festivities such as Diwali, I see no issue with indulging for celebrations as long as it is done as part of a balanced diet. For me a balanced diet includes a little bit of everything and focussing on general principles rather than being overly restrictive or fully cutting out food groups entirely.
4. Asian households mostly function on one type of food for everyone, especially in the case of women who generally eat what they make for others - without realising that they may need different kinds of nutrition. What is your advice to women on maintaining a healthy body with the right kind of food intake, especially during young reproductive age as well as menopause?
It is important for women, in particular women who are menstruating, to consider iron rich foods as part of their balanced diet to replace the blood loss during their monthly periods. This is particularly important if they are vegetarian as vegetarian forms of iron are not as easily absorbed and they may need to take supplements of iron or vitamin B12. In addition, Asians are more likely to be deficient in Vitamin D and should consider supplementation daily.
5. What should be the right approach to start a specific dietary regime in our community withstanding the fact that the post Covid world will not be the same as before?
My general principles for a balanced diet are:
- To try to eat as much variety of plant based foods as possible - at least 30 varieties a week. My dinner plate always consists of at least half a plate of vegetables.
- To reduce consumption of meat especially red meats where possible
- Eat 1-2 portions of fish - including at least 1 oily fish weekly
- Reduce saturated fats and sugar (maximum 30gms daily)
- Eat more fibre - eg more whole grains
- Eat less salt (maximum 6gms a day)
Also - Drink lots of water, keep active and practise mindfulness daily - a healthy lifestyle is more than just food!
