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Journalism of Courage
Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, who recently appeared in Raj Shamani’s Figuring Out podcast, confessed that he had no idea what calories were until just a few years ago.
He reflected on an interview clip with actor Anushka Sharma that went viral online after Dosanjh seemed genuinely unaware of her diet. Sharma mentioned that she doesn’t eat gluten, sugar, and animal products. She also talked about eating quinoa roti as a healthier alternative to the usual roti made with atta, which left him visibly stunned.
He said, “I didn’t know paaji. I had seen that (reel) too. Now, I find this a bit awkward as well, I don’t know what she might be thinking. But honestly, I really didn’t know. I learned about calories around 2016-17. Like there is something called calorie. We should eat things in moderation.”
When asked whether he follows a diet now, Dosanjh admitted, “Now I have to paaji.”
The growing trend of overthinking food choices and the impact of constant calorie counting on mental well-being is a huge problem in today’s digitally driven age. Neha Parashar, senior psychologist at Cadabam’s Mindtalk, tells indianexpress.com, “This constant vigilance can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being, contributing to decision fatigue.”
She adds, “Calorie counting can have profound psychological and social impacts. Every meal and snack turns into a complex calculation—should you choose the salad or the sandwich? How many calories are in a handful of nuts? This constant mental arithmetic can deplete cognitive resources and lead to decision fatigue.”
Emotionally, Parashar says, the pressure to adhere to a strict calorie limit often triggers anxiety and guilt around food, with even small indulgences sparking feelings of failure and inadequacy.
“Socially, calorie counting can make gatherings and dining out stressful, as it’s difficult to enjoy meals with loved ones while meticulously tracking every bite. Ultimately, this focus on calories can strip away the joy of eating, turning food from a source of nourishment and pleasure into a burdensome chore,” she mentions.
Breaking free from the calorie-counting trap requires a shift in mindset and the adoption of practical strategies that simplify food choices.
Focus on Whole Foods: Build your meals around whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. These foods are naturally nutrient-dense and satisfying, requiring less mental energy to analyse.
Meal Planning: Plan your meals and snacks in advance, reducing the number of decisions you need to make throughout the day. This also helps ensure that you have healthy options readily available.
Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your hunger cues and savour each bite. Eating slowly and mindfully can help you feel more satisfied with smaller portions and make more intuitive food choices.
Intuitive Eating: Learn to trust your body’s signals and honour your hunger and fullness cues. This approach can help you break free from rigid calorie counting and cultivate a more balanced relationship with food.
Seek Professional Guidance: If you’re struggling with disordered eating patterns or find it difficult to let go of calorie counting, consider seeking guidance from a registered dietitian or therapist specialising in eating disorders.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
