‘Foods can cure all ailments,’ says this dietician and Apeejay alumna

When flavourful burgers, pastas and pizzas are in line of your sight, it’s hard to miss out on them. Once consumed, in retrospect, we do feel slightly guilty – guilty about not being able to control ourselves and maintain a balanced diet.

Charvi Virmani, a dietician’s Instagram page, ‘eatwithoutguiltbycharvi’ is for all of us. Her philosophy is simple – Eat everything but try to stay fit at the same time. She advises that one must consume all kinds of foods, but in moderation. Based in Faridabad, Charvi is self-employed. She gets daily queries on her Instagram channel from people wanting to adopt healthy lifestyle practices. Determined to help them follow the right eating habits to stay fit, she is keen to spread massive awareness about food and nutrition. Read On:

Please tell us about your educational background.  

I completed my schooling from Apeejay School, Faridabad Sector 15. Before that, I studied at Apeejay Svran Global School, Sector 21-D. Mine was the first batch of students to graduate from the school in class 10. I still remember being one of the high-scorers at the school.

I then opted for a Business Studies course at Jagannath International Management School, Vasant Kunj in Delhi. Simultaneously, I pursued a Diploma programme in Diet and Nutrition from VLCC Institute in Faridabad. I have also attained a qualification in Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai.

At present, I am practising in the field of Diet and Nutrition. I advise clients and encourage them to tweak their lifestyle for a healthier existence. To add to my knowledge, I have also completed diet certifications such as that of lactating mothers, diabetics, persons suffering from liver issues, etc.

How do you pair your know-how of Business with Diet and Nutrition?

In order to succeed in any venture, one needs to market their product or service. By attaining two degrees in Business, I have attempted to understand the mindset of my audiences and clients. For my practice, both these fields go hand-in-hand.

In today’s scenario, people take services from any person in an informed manner. They read the google reviews, go through your professional background, look for other practitioners in the same domain and then select. So, my proficiency in both is helpful.

What are some incorrect lifestyle practices people are engaging in?

First: Working professionals during Covid-19 have become quite used to the ‘Work-From-Home’ lifestyle. At that time, many people engaged in irregular sleep patterns. They slept at 3-4 am and woke up by afternoon. Then, they ate and slept again. This habit has eventually led to obesity. Many professionals are battling with it till now.

Second: In the post-Covid-19 scenario, it is becoming difficult for people to return to a healthy routine like before. In order to engage in regular activities effectively, and lose their body fat, they are following diets such as keto or detox. But again, this is very harmful in the longer run. It must be stopped as it would lead to a weak immune system.

Third: People are increasingly getting into a habit of binge-eating. They have invited many diseases to their bodies in this manner. Many young women are suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) issues due to this.

For those who have contacted Covid-19 and recovered, your dietary tips?

Please take a high-protein diet. Right now, your body needs to build what it has lost. Balance it with carbs and other nutrients, vitamins and minerals in decent quantities. Many times, those suffering from Covid-19 won’t feel the urge to eat due to their loss of taste and smell. In that case, consume pulses.

Please give us a sneak-peek into your schedule. How do you manage to stay fit?

My day starts with a cup of green tea in the morning. After that, I go out for a walk for 30 minutes. Once I start my day at the work desk at home, I take client calls, meetings, live sessions, and so on. One thumb rule I follow is to ‘walk and talk.’ Apart from that, I take 10 to 15 minutes of timely breaks in the day. My last meal is around 7:30 in the evening, and not later than that. If I feel hungry in the night, I take a glass of milk or eat an apple. 

Your message for students who want to make a career in Food and Nutrition?

Go for it! People are increasingly becoming aware about healthy foods and practices. You can help bring a change in their lives. I strongly believe that food can cure everything – all ailments one may have.