Sanya Malhotra says rajma chawal can be made into a ‘proper, balanced meal’; a nutritionist weighs in

So, how can simple home-cooked meals like Rajma Chawal help us stay fit?

According to Deepika Sharma, a personal trainer and nutritionist, meals like rajma chawal matter more than we realise. “They aren’t just simple home-cooked dishes; they are nutritionally coherent systems refined over generations. Rajma provides plant-based protein and fibre. These combinations naturally keep us full, energised, and grounded without the stress of counting calories or following a rigid diet.”

When we talk about fitness, the first image that comes to mind is often a diet plan — calorie charts, fancy superfoods, or rules around what not to eat. But in reality, the body doesn’t crave novelty as much as it craves consistency, balance, and comfort. That’s why a simple home-cooked meal, as the nutritionist pointed out, comes as a comforting rescue.

But portion sizes matter

Sharma added that the idea is not to romanticise all home-cooked food. “Portion sizes still matter. Excess rice or ghee can derail progress, and people with specific health conditions may need to adapt.”

According to the nutritionist, the idea is to eat dal, roti, sabzi, or a bowl of rajma chawal with awareness of portions; this ensures you’re getting the same balance of macros and micros that an expert might prescribe, but without the mental baggage.

 

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Home-cooked thali as a stressbuster

What often goes unnoticed is the psychological dimension associated with a home-cooked thali. Sharma underlined, “A home-made thali doesn’t just feed the stomach, it calms the nervous system. Eating food that feels familiar and safe reduces stress, and when the body is relaxed, it digests and absorbs nutrients better.”

Compare this with the anxiety that often comes with diets like Am I breaking the rules? Or is this allowed? That mental tension can undo the very benefits we are chasing.

“Food prepared in your kitchen may actually do more for your fitness than a protein bar bought in the name of health,” added Sharma.

So are simple home-cooked meals the ideal alternative to diets?

“In many ways, yes. Not because they’re exotic, but because they’re ordinary,” reiterated Sharma. These freshly prepared meals offer a mix of both health and taste.

“The body doesn’t need us to chase the latest fad it often just needs us to respect what was already on the plate, with a bit of portion awareness and balance. Diets may have always been detours. The real path was in the kitchen all along,” she concluded.

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.