Can you stay healthy by eating your favourite foods? Pune nutritionist shares 6 smart and easy diet tips to lose weight

Losing weight is an uphill task. One week, you are following a strict diet and the next week your restraint leaves you at the sight of a chocolate pastry. Consistency, patience and determination are certainly the key factors to staying in shape. But that does not mean you have to cut out your favourite foods to shed those extra pounds. The statement comes not from us but Pune-based nutritionist and fitness coach Mohita Mascarenhas. According to her, eating less or eliminating items from your diet does not help in the long run. Instead, what works is to make smarter alternatives that keep you satisfied.

Nutritionist-suggested food alternatives

In her latest Instagram post, Mohita Mascarenhas has listed 6 food swaps that would help you to lose weight naturally. As per the nutritionist, it is not extreme diets but being mindful of your food choices and eating habits that makes the difference.


Full-fat dairy - Low-fat, high-protein options

The nutritionist recommends switching from full-fat dairy products to items like low-fat paneer, low-fat cheese, toned milk and protein-rich Greek yoghurt. This enables you to get more protein with fewer calories, without you having to compromise your coffee, tea or other meals.

Nuts - Plain makhana, air-popped popcorn

Although nuts are healthy, people tend to overeat them unconsciously, states the nutrition expert. But air-popped popcorn and makhana offer more volume, helping you stay fuller longer, with far fewer calories.

Fruit juices - whole fruits

As per Mohita Mascarenhas, fruit juices not only lack fibre but also speed up the digestion process. On the other hand, eating whole fruits controls sudden appetite by promoting a slower digestion. She suggests chewing your calories instead of gulping them down.

Sugary drinks - diet soda or sparkling water

Liquid calories do not fill you up. They only add sugar and slow the fat loss, warns the fitness guru. Instead of sugary beverages, she suggests swapping them with diet soda or sparkling water, which delivers the same fizz and refreshment, minus the extra calories.

Red meat - leaner protein

Chicken breast, turkey, prawns, fish and egg whites are lower in saturated fat and calories but higher in protein that supports fat loss and satiety.

Mayo/cheese sauce - Greek yoghurt/Skyr dips

Greek yoghurt and Skyr dips are not only creamy and flavourful, but they are also high in calcium and protein, unlike the calorie-infused mayonnaise and cheese sauces. Mohita Mascarenhas suggests adding herbs, garlic or other seasonings for that extra punch.

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A post shared by Mohita Mascarenhas | Nutritionist & Weight Loss Coach (@keeping_it_narrow)

Mohita Mascarenhas summed it up perfectly — fat loss isn’t about restriction, it’s about smart eating. Agreed?