Guwahati nutritionist voices healthy eating reverses "permanent" health disorders

In an exclusive interview with India Today NE, an experienced nutritionist from Guwahati, Dt. Tamanna Jain, opened up about the pitfalls of crash diets, the importance of long-term health goals, and advocated to reverse "permanent" health disorders like diabetes, PCOS and thyroid through sustainable lifestyle changes. 

 

The conversation touched on various critical aspects of nutrition and fitness, providing valuable advice to viewers who are keen on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

 

The Misconception of Weight Loss

 

Addressing the widespread obsession with weight loss, the nutritionist emphasised that people often prioritise shedding pounds over holistic health improvement. 

 

"A lot of people are crazy about weight loss," she said, explaining that the true goal should be losing fat and gaining muscle. Quick-fix diets may help in losing weight temporarily, but they come at a cost to overall health in the longer run.

 

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"These short-term diets — whether they last for 60, 90, or even just 10 days — are focused on shedding weight, not improving your health," she cautioned. 

 

She shared that these restrictive diets often deprive the body of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies. 

 

“If you starve yourself with salads, juices, or extreme meal replacements, sure, you will lose weight. But the day you go back to eating normally, you’ll gain even more weight,” Jain added. 

 

The Importance of Lifestyle Changes

 

Highlighting the critical difference between temporary fixes and long-term solutions, the nutritionist shared her approach. "It’s all about a lifestyle transformation," she advised. "It’s not a one-day thing." 

 

According to her, the foundation of sustainable health and fitness lies in changing one’s mindset toward food, nutrition, and movement.

 

A well-balanced lifestyle is built gradually, with consistent small changes that create lasting habits. “Start with a strong mindset,” she said, adding that it’s important to understand why certain foods are necessary and how movement impacts the body positively. 

 

“Once you form healthy habits, you’ll never go back to unhealthy ways because you’ll know better," Jain stated. 

 

A Personal Story of Triumph

 

The nutritionist also shared her personal story — an inspiring narrative of health transformation. At just 19 years old, she was diagnosed with prediabetes. 

 

"I was overweight and diagnosed with prediabetes at such a young age. I knew I had to take control of my health," she said. 

 

Determined to reverse her condition, she implemented the same principles she now teaches her clients. “I lost 15-20 kg in four months and reversed my diabetes,” she shared proudly. Despite the passage of five years, her health reports remain impeccable.

 

The Role of a Nutritionist

 

Being a successful nutritionist involves more than just handing out diet charts. The nutritionist stressed the importance of mental preparation and counseling. 

 

"A nutritionist is also a counselor," she remarked. “It’s not just about food. If your mind isn’t strong, you won’t be able to follow the diet.”

 

She stressed the importance of understanding each individual’s needs, habits, and mindset before crafting a diet plan. 

 

"We work step by step, counseling our clients on why they need to make certain changes." By instilling long-lasting habits, her clients are able to maintain their health goals for life. "Once you know why something is bad for you, you won’t return to unhealthy habits."

 

Practical Tips for a Healthier Life

 

Offering practical advice for viewers, the nutritionist urged them to prioritise their health. "No matter how busy you are, dedicate at least one hour a day for yourself." She suggested cooking three healthy meals a day and incorporating short, easy movements, such as a 15-minute walk after each meal, to escape a sedentary lifestyle.

 

In addition, she shared a useful tip for curbing food cravings: "Drink a glass of water, eat a fruit, or snack on something healthy like roasted makhana or nuts. If you still have cravings after that, go ahead and indulge — but in small portions."

 

For those struggling with frequent cravings, she recommended an 80/20 rule — eating healthy 80 per cent of the time and indulging in favourite treats for the remaining 20 per cent. "Don’t deprive yourself. Balance is key," Jain said. 

 

She also suggested practical steps for managing food cravings, such as removing food delivery apps like Zomato and Swiggy and keeping packaged snacks out of the house. 

 

“If it’s not within reach, you won’t eat it,” she said. Instead, people should keep healthy alternatives, such as fruits and nuts, easily accessible.

 

The Conclusion: Conscious Eating for Life

 

The interview concluded with a powerful message: Nutrition isn’t just about weight loss, but about prioritising long-term health. 

 

"You should always be conscious of what you’re putting into your body. If what you’re eating doesn’t benefit you in any way, ask yourself — why am I eating this?" she said. 

 

While the journey to health might take time, the nutritionist reassured viewers that once they start to see the benefits of eating right and staying active, they won’t want to go back. “It’s all about forming habits that last a lifetime.”