Vijay Thakkar is a functional medicine expert and celebrity fitness coach in Mumbai. He is author of the book “Eating Less is Making You Fat,” aimed at dispelling misinformation about nutrition, calorie-deficit diets, metabolism and how hunger and satiety work.
January 27, 2024 14:36 IST
While BMI is a general indicator of weight status, waist circumference, by directly measuring the most critical fat deposits affecting health, offers a more practical and precise tool, says functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Sat, Jan 27, 2024December 30, 2023 12:40 IST
Fitness doesn't have to be complicated. These five exercises will build a foundation of strength, endurance and mobility. Focus on your form and challenge yourself to progress over time, says functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Sat, Dec 30, 2023December 21, 2023 17:34 IST
Functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar explains which aspects of her routine could be adapted to your needs.
Thu, Dec 21, 2023December 17, 2023 13:39 IST
We may eat healthy but end up sick if we do not get the ratio right, advises functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Sun, Dec 17, 2023November 27, 2023 16:40 IST
Given the increased appetite and potential decrease in physical activity, it’s not uncommon to pile up the kilos, says celebrity coach and functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar. Are there workarounds?
Mon, Nov 27, 2023October 21, 2023 08:19 IST
Racket sports combine aerobic and anaerobic exercise, boosting heart rate and improving cardiovascular fitness, says functional medicine expert and celebrity instructor Vijay Thakkar.
Sat, Oct 21, 2023October 13, 2023 10:10 IST
Incorporating this rule into your lifestyle is perhaps the best way to set personal goals, says Vijay Thakkar, functional medicine expert and celebrity instructor
Fri, Oct 13, 2023October 07, 2023 11:19 IST
This fitness at home mantra, while transitioning from sedentary to an active lifestyle, has gone viral. Vijay Thakkar, functional medicine expert and celebrity fitness coach, weighs the pros and cons
Sat, Oct 07, 2023September 20, 2023 13:15 IST
An eight-kilometre run might burn 800 calories but a single slice of a standard 14-inch long pizza has around 300 calories, and a decadent dessert like one gulab jamun contains about 200 calories. So if our dietary choices are not optimal then we can quickly surpass that 800-calorie burn, says celebrity counsellor and functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Wed, Sep 20, 2023September 09, 2023 12:41 IST
Regularly engaging in cardio exercises, such as walking, cycling, dancing, sports or swimming, depletes liver-stored sugar and enhances muscle sugar uptake, stabilising blood sugar levels, says functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Sat, Sep 09, 2023August 31, 2023 17:39 IST
To achieve and maintain 10 per cent body fat, it is essential to follow the “human health tripod” — exercise, a nutritious diet, and eight to nine hours of sleep per night, says functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Thu, Aug 31, 2023August 26, 2023 12:22 IST
This is more myth than fact. Fat loss is governed by the daily fat balance in the body: fat stored versus fat released. As fasted cardio doesn’t considerably shift this balance over time, its benefits for fat loss are limited. Focus on fat release over fat storage through diet and strength training, says functional medicine expert and celebrity lifestyle coach Vijay Thakkar
Sat, Aug 26, 2023August 12, 2023 13:05 IST
Consuming protein close to training may offer minor benefits in maximising muscle protein synthesis. Despite prevalent myths, a balanced approach to protein intake, supported by current scientific understanding, can effectively support muscle-building goals, says functional medicine expert and celebrity counsellor Vijay Thakkar
Mon, Aug 14, 2023July 29, 2023 14:04 IST
Wall squats are when you sit on an imaginary chair, back against the wall, suspended mid-air. When muscles are contracted without movement, the surrounding blood vessels compress. On releasing the tension, there’s a rush of blood, causing the vessels to dilate. Over time, this dilation might lead to a consistent reduction in blood pressure, says functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Sat, Jul 29, 2023July 15, 2023 12:24 IST
Free weights require more skill to use safely and correctly, making them challenging for beginners. Machine weights offer more stability and targeted muscle training. They are less challenging for joint stabilizers but may not provide the same functional strength as free weights. A combination routine is best, says functional medicine expert and celebrity trainer Vijay Thakkar
Sat, Jul 15, 2023July 07, 2023 16:00 IST
Look for options with high cocoa content (75 per cent or more) and minimal added sugars for maximum health benefits, suggests functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Fri, Jul 07, 2023July 01, 2023 09:20 IST
Strength training can improve seniors’ balance, coordination and mobility, thereby reducing the risk of falls and associated injuries. It helps you keep chronic illnesses at bay, says functional medicine expert and celebrity counsellor Vijay Thakkar
Sat, Jul 01, 2023June 29, 2023 12:02 IST
‘Protein spike triggered hereditary disease in 16-year-old UK teen, resulting in his death. All do not have it. So instead of warning labels, we should have enhanced labelling in the form of recommended daily values and suggested intake for different body types and activity levels. And always consult a medical practitioner,’ advises functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Fri, Jun 30, 2023June 17, 2023 12:22 IST
Cold exposure therapy (CET) causes the peripheral blood vessels in arms and legs to constrict, leading to the redistribution of blood towards your core and thus conserving heat. This process induces physiological adaptations that could potentially improve health and improve performance. But consult a healthcare expert to customise plan, says functional medicine expert and celebrity counsellor Vijay Thakkar
Sat, Jun 17, 2023June 03, 2023 11:44 IST
Exercise bikes, particularly recumbent bikes, offer a low-impact cardiovascular exercise option. They provide a safer, joint-friendly alternative for individuals with knee, hip, or lower back problems. Like treadmills, exercise bikes allow various training zones, balancing fat loss, improving aerobic capacity, and enhancing performance, says functional medicine expert and celebrity coach, Vijay Thakkar
Sun, Jun 04, 2023May 20, 2023 11:23 IST
The science behind resistance band workouts is powerful for improving our health, weight loss and longevity. It offers a versatile, affordable and effective tool to enhance energy expenditure throughout the day, muscular strength and cardiovascular health, culminating in robust overall health and weight loss, says celebrity trainer and functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Sat, May 20, 2023May 06, 2023 07:17 IST
The idea that one can burn fat from a specific body area or do spot reduction by doing targetted exercises is pseudoscience. Fat loss occurs throughout the body. So make the right choices with diet, exercise, sleep, and most importantly, staying in a negative energy balance, says functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Sat, May 06, 2023April 22, 2023 07:30 IST
Strength training encourages the generation of a molecule known as nitric oxide that helps dilate blood vessels and improves blood flow in the body. Consequently, the blood flow pressure in the arteries decreases, reducing blood pressure, says functional medicine expert Vijay Thakkar
Sat, Apr 22, 2023