“When I was going through fat shaming, I thought of helping myself by knowing the science behind diet and nutrition"__ Malvika Fulwani , Director Healthitude , Clinical Dietician
Recently she has received International Glam Award for best dietician held in Mumbai. The legendary Bollywood icon, Raza Murad did the honors . Full of gratitude, she talks of all those people, who have inspired her at different stages of life.
Having a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, she switched to a Masters in Nutrition as it intrigued her . Fat shaming that she experienced during her childhood days, led her to resolve the matter as she felt that the science of food had a great deal to do with our lives .
“We tend to follow Yo Yo diet and reduce fat intake to zero which is so bad for the body as we need 15 to 20 ml of fats daily to get the fat soluble vitamins absorbed by the body”
"Lactating mothers must eat everything in the required quantity , excess of anything isn't advisable " she remarked, when asked about some food fads adopted by breastfeeding mothers .
What is so interesting about her story is that she never took criticism as a negative feedback, she converted it into an opportunity to learn something that made her inquisitive. Although body shaming is a severe crime as it depletes the mental health of an individual , however Malvika countered it with self development and growth . She has specialized in plant based diet and deals with all categories of people, ranging from non vegetarian, vegetarians or vegans .
Here’s an excerpt from the interview
Q. What made you choose this profession ?
I was looking for dieticians who could help me with my extra weight but then when I graduated from my Bachelors in Chemistry, I came across this course of dieticians, which took my nerves to a solace and then I decided I would hit the nail on the head. Why not pursuing the course to help myself? I chose to pursue it . Today I am a clinical dietician, helping people with their disease conditions.
Q. It sounds that dieticians are very particular about their meals, so what did you have for lunch ?
Usually I take a plate of salads before my lunch . In lunch I have a bowl of green vegetables, a bowl of curd with a multi grain chapati , pulses and a bowl of rice , brown or white , I have no problem with a bowl of white rice either.
Q. Recently you received an International award, right ?
Yes , I was awarded as the International best dietician by International Glam Awards, held in Mumbai , recently. I was honoured to receive the same from the hands of legendary Bollywood icon , Mr Raza Murad
Q . What according to you is an ideal platter for a lactating mother ?
Lactating mothers must have a balanced diet, having everything in adequate quantity . Rainbow platter is really good as each color in your food has a particular nutrient in it . If you talk of red colour, it has Lycopene , which is good for your eye health , green colour gives chlorophyll, having plenty of antioxidants and so on . Usually new mothers tend to cut down their fat intake to zero which should never be done . Our body needs both the major nutrients and micronutrients . Eating for two is a myth
Q A lot of turmeric and figs are given to mothers who are breastfeeding . Is this alright?
No, turmeric in pinch and everything must be taken in accordance with their requirement , depending on the body weight , etc .
Q,What are some of the benefits of breastfeeding?
So, a lot of benefits , like
The baby gets all the essential nutrients that helps in building immunity
The mother looses extra body weight
It protects mothers from breast cancer
It creates the bond of love between the mother and the baby
Here’s the interview podcast. Tune to it and if you want to get in touch with Dietician Malvika Fulwani , you can contact her on her official pages