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Journalism of Courage
Tina Ahuja, daughter of actor Govinda, has been candid about her fluctuating relationship with dieting and body image.
In a recent interview with Curly Tales, she shared how she went through extreme diets to achieve a perfect body. She said, “I have done every type of dieting. I have always had a nutritionist since my teens. I remember going from this aalo ka parantha diet to only having 600-700 calories in a day, which I don’t recommend to anyone. I only used to have black coffee, wear dhoti pants, it was a boho phase of my life with those red lips. But now, I have come to a point where I want to eat very good food — I eat berries, have smoothies, workout, green juices, nuts, and I sleep very well now.”
Tina Ahuja has been open about her father, Govinda, being critical of her body when she gained weight. When asked if he still points out her flaws to her, she revealed, “Not now, but this has been going on since my teens. He was always like, ‘Tum fit raha karo, ache lagne chahiye; mote, unhealthy acha nahi lagta’.”
She added that she realized she had gained much weight after Shilpa Shetty invited her to a film screening. “The biggest eye-opener was thanks to Shilpa Shetty ji, she invited me for a screening. I had just come from London after a holiday, and I walked in thinking I was a fairy. Then, I saw a tag on Instagram, and I felt, ‘Oh, I have become so fat,’” she said.
Tina Ahuja added, “I went from UK4 to UK12 and I didn’t even realise it. I was not even working out and eating a lot. I can now write a book on how to lose weight, taking one day at a time. I know all the healthy tricks and tips now.” She also mentioned that her mother, Sunita, always encourages her to eat healthy.
Despite the progress and a healthier relationship with food now, Tina Ahuja’s journey raises questions about the extremes people go to in the pursuit of weight loss and how this impacts long-term health.
Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutrionist at Tone30 Pilates, tells indianexpress.com, “Extreme calorie restriction can have significant psychological and physiological impacts over time. When the body is consistently deprived of essential nutrients, it can slow down metabolism as a protective mechanism. This slowdown makes it harder to lose weight and may lead to long-term issues like nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.”
Psychologically, she adds that severe restrictions can foster an unhealthy relationship with food, potentially triggering disordered eating behaviors. The stress and anxiety associated with such restrictive regimens can further exacerbate these issues, creating a cycle of frustration and self-criticism that undermines both physical and mental well-being.
Quick-fix diets, such as those that rely solely on coffee or minimal food intake, often provide short-term results at the expense of long-term health. “These diets tend to deprive the body of essential nutrients, leading to muscle loss, weakened immunity, and hormonal imbalances. Additionally, these extreme diets can increase stress levels and contribute to feelings of deprivation, often resulting in a rebound effect where individuals may overeat once the diet ends,” notes Joshi.
A more sustainable approach involves gradual, balanced changes to eating habits, states Joshi. “This might include incorporating various nutrient-dense foods and establishing regular meal patterns that support steady energy levels. Adopting mindful eating practices can also help individuals tune into their hunger and fullness cues, reducing the risk of emotional eating and establishing a healthier, more balanced relationship with food.”
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.
