Nutritionist Ms. Ishi Khosla in Coversation With Women Fitness

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4 years ago

Ms. Ishi Khosla is a practicing clinical nutritionist, columnist, author, an entrepreneur, researcher and welfare worker.

With 25 years of experience in field of nutrition, she is a consultant on the Board of several organizations- corporates, multi-nationals and educational institutions. She has been listed among the 25 most powerful women in the country by the India Today Group.

She has authored many books, among them are ‘Is Wheat Killing You?’ and ‘The Diet Doctor’ published by Penguin.

Women Fitness catches up with Ms. Ishi Khosla to gain a deeper insight into her lifestyle routine & philosophy.

N.N:

Your love for weight loss began at a young age when she had to devise weight loss methods for herself to slim down, after having suffered from obesity. Tell us about your story how you transformed your body and found confidence with fitness?

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

I remember I was in 14 years old . Started my own weight loss journey. The impact that food was making on my body : my waist trimmer , my skin was glowing , vitamins worked to clear my acne & so on … it was hugely empowering to me as a teenager. It was so relatable & tangible. The power of food & nutrtion was stamped. I felt that rather than studying medicine it would be better to pursues studies in this field. Change of course happened in Class 11 while I was in the medical section I did not apply to any medical college. And the rest became history.

N.N:

After working as a nutritionist in Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi, and you set up WHOLE FOODS, which is a one-stop shop for all your nutrition needs. What encouraged you to start with this endeavour ?

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

I did not set out to be an entrepreneur. It was the sheer need for healthier alternatives which lead me to take it upon my self. I had to convince my husband to support this idea. Once that happened we started Whole Foods. I continued my professional life in nutrition counselling along with this thanks to my husband who gave the business shape & helped with operations.

FULL INTERVIEW ON NEXT PAGE!

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.

N.N:

Share your exercise routine that you do to maintain such a perfect physique?

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

I believe in moderation . Even in exercise I do a combination of cardiovascular exercises, strength & flexibility training.

Yoga is a part of my work out. I eat every thing in moderation (except quit gluten, corn, soya & oats about a decade ago). I prefer almond or coconut milk . I do follow my body signals, eat only when I am hungry & avoid getting too full.

Standing on the scales regularly helps you to remain focussed. I am very conscious about what I eat out side my home & refrain from junk & processed foods.

N.N:

What is your diet routine? Do you take a regulated diet consisting of nutrients and vitamins to keep you in perfect health?

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

I start my day with some water, tea & soaked nuts . Move on to some lemon honey tea or cinnamon clove infusion. Around noon I snack on a fruit or roasted snack , sprouts or egg.

Lunch varies hugely but is around lentils & vegetables . It can often be a meal soup too along with vegetables. Around 4 pm it could be tea / coffee / hot chocolate .
Evening is peak hunger which is usually a heavy snack followed by a dinner of nothing or soup , vegetable or some poultry or fish .

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.

N.N:

You are clinical nutritionist, consultant, writer, columnist, researcher, author, and an entrepreneur. Share the role that best defines you and how do you go about balancing your personal & professional life.

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

At my core I am an academically oriented person. A quest to read , research , analyse & write drive me . A passion for food is in my DNA ( A foodie family). My motivation comes from the belief that food is what makes us: a community or nation cannot prosper without good health which starts with hygiene & healthy food. To share this knowledge and reach the community at large keep me charged. Even after 25 years of practice I know there is so much to learn!

N.N:

Share 5 tips for pre & post-menopausal women to maintain a supple & healthy skin? Skin care before going to bed.

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

1)Typically women under go hormonal upheavals around this time which affects the gut negatively. A leaky gut leads to development of food sensitivities. It is best to screen for these .Most often wheat, soy, corn & oats,fructose & dairy are culprits .
As a result nutritional deficiencies are very common. Check for vitamin D, B-12, iron . Supplements are usually needed but must be taken under care of a qualified professional.
Hydration is critical
Plan the diet around having two protein centric meals along with vegetables. One meal should only be vegetables or fruits . Cereals & grains should be according to individual needs & tolerance .
Regular exercise , yoga & meditation are useful to attained mental , physical & spiritual balance.

N.N:

You work as a consultant to several organizations and are involved in the food industry including schools and education institutions. According to you where does the fault rise in rapid increase in obesity & health related issues among teenagers?

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

Industrial production of food & change in agricultural practices are at the core of our ill – health.

N.N:

Dietary advice and motivational words to professionals who work odd hours and tend to eat out or survive on tea/coffee or a burger? 5 early signs to identify that one is going off-track?

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

Read my book “Eating at work” .
If some one depends too much on caffeine it may signal a nutritional imbalance & loss of energy.
Not having fresh fruits ,vegetables & good fats
Skin issues , hair fall , digestive issues , heartburn , constipation , low energy , anxiety , mood swings, difficulty in weight management, sinusitis , frequent colds & coughs are red flags .
Anemia, osteopenia, joint pains also flag off need to look at diet corrections or mal-absorption.

N.N:

Who has been your biggest influence and motivation in your path to success?

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

My patients. The gratification one gets out of transforming lives is too precious. My family has helped me stay motivated & supported my through my journey.

N.N:

Tell us about a memorable experience you remember as a nutrition consultant?

Ms. Isha Khosla:

A young lady was on a pill for PCOD & had not had her period for three years despite diet & exercise. I changed her diet & removed gluten & dairy for week. She came back in ten days & reported that she had a period after three years. Even though I knew she would respond, I had not expected the response to be so fast !

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.

N.N:

You have been listed among the 25 most powerful women in the Country by the India Today Group. How can a homemaker bring about a positive change towards a healthier lifestyle?

Ms. Ishi Khosla:

The choice of food the lady of the house makes determines what the family gets to eat. Not only this what she eats before having children & during pregnancy are also critical to the families health.The taste preferences & habits can be shaped by the kind of food shopped, cooked & eaten at home . If one shops for sugary cookies & fried oily snacks the palette develops accordingly. Physical exercise & sports interests too can be cultivated at home .
Growing vegetables, shopping, cooking at home and getting children to participate in these activities help kids to understand the importance of correct food & goes a long way in shaping kids minds. Home correction can lead to community corrections & then the nation.
Children & home makers are key stake holders.

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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.