Health and wellness are increasingly recognized as essential components of a fulfilling life, encompassing more than just the absence of illness.
Understanding the nuances between health and wellness can empower individuals to make informed choices that enhance their quality of life.
In this aspect, dietitians play a crucial role in guiding individuals toward healthier lifestyles. Dr. Dharini Krishnan is a prominent dietitian dedicated to transforming lives through practical and sustainable nutrition methods. With a background in health sciences, she transitioned from aspiring medical doctor to dietitian, driven by her passion for helping individuals achieve better health.
Dr. Krishnan emphasizes personalized dietary plans, addressing common misconceptions about nutrition and dietetics. Her approach integrates scientific research with real-world applications, making her a trusted resource for those seeking to improve their well-being. As a leading figure in the field, she plays a vital role in enhancing nutritional awareness across diverse communities in India, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of holistic health and wellness.
Let’s delve into the interview highlights!
Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to become a dietitian?
I initially aspired to become a medical doctor but ultimately chose dietetics, as it is closely related to the medical profession. I wanted to help people achieve better health, and this field provided me with the opportunity to do just that.
What are some of the most common misconceptions people have about nutrition and dietetics?
The general perception is that when you visit a dietitian, they will only tell you what not to eat and impose strict dietary changes, which discourages many people from seeking their advice.
Additionally, some believe that healthy food is not tasty, leading to the misconception that dietitians only provide bland recipes. Furthermore, many assume that every doctor has the time to offer nutritional advice, which is often not the case.
How do you approach creating personalized diet plans for your clients?
We, as dietitians, assess the health of our clients by analyzing their blood work, physical parameters, and other relevant data. We take a detailed dietary history to understand the family’s eating habits, including how often they eat out, the types of food consumed at home and outside, and the monthly usage of cooking oils or ghee.
We also inquire about the daily quantity of vegetables used. If necessary, we may recommend food allergy tests or nutrigenomics tests before prescribing a tailored diet.
It’s important to note that we do not provide standard printed sheets; instead, we offer personalized guidance. We support our clients throughout their journey, addressing any questions they may have while they adjust to the prescribed diet.
Can you share a success story where your guidance significantly transformed a client’s health?
A 30-year-old female underwent a gynecological assessment and was found to weigh 128 kg. She was referred to the Bariatric Unit, where it was emphasized that she needed surgery to avoid serious health complications. Despite being only 30 years old and having three children, she was resistant to the idea of surgery.
The available options included meal replacements, which she found affordable but had previously tried and abandoned, resulting in weight gain. Her regular diet had led to significant weight gain, and she was not willing to wait for a mere 2 kg loss per month. However, she expressed readiness to try intermittent fasting.
As a vegetarian with no other health issues, her body fat percentage was reduced from 47% to 30% over ten months. During this period, her weight decreased from 128.8 kg to 77.9 kg, averaging a loss of 3.7 kg per month. This resulted in a significant reduction in all health parameters.
She was provided with a normal vegetarian diet that included dairy, ensuring a good balance of protein without any special foods. Homecooked meals were adjusted to increase protein intake through various forms of pulses, while avoiding eggs and protein powders.
What practical tips do you recommend for individuals looking to make sustainable dietary changes?
Assess your health with a physician and seek the help of a dietitian. Take it step by step; changes in behavior take time, so focus on one step at a time. Avoid making drastic changes to your diet, as this is often not sustainable. Reach out to people who can assist you in making the necessary adjustments to your current diet.
How do you stay updated with the latest research and trends in nutrition?
I read a lot of peer-reviewed research and write numerous articles that have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, I attend conferences to continuously update my knowledge.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in dietetics?
Dietetics is an excellent career choice. Start by gaining experience in a multispecialty hospital for at least five years before branching out on your own. India has a significant need for dietary assistance, and there is ample scope for growth in this field. Every city, town, and village require support in various aspects of nutrition. Focus on learning thoroughly before you begin treating clients and make it a priority to update your knowledge continuously.
In your opinion, what is the most important factor for someone to maintain a healthy lifestyle long-term?
Focus is essential. Seek support from people you can work with and avoid making drastic changes to your diet or exercise routine. Changes should be implemented slowly and steadily for lasting results. It’s important to understand your health issues and collaborate with the right experts in the following areas:
- Diet
- Physical Exercise
- De-stressing
If necessary, consult a physician regarding any medications.
Awards & Honours
Dharini’s expertise and dedication have been recognized by several prestigious organizations, as evidenced by the following accolades:
- Received the Mayan Awards 2018 from Vista India for being a Visionary in Diet Consultation received from Dr. Kiran Bedi (IPS Retd.) Hon. Lt. Governor of Puducherry.
- Received the Aval Vikatan Award for Best Dietitian in August 2018.
- Received Diaita and Hi9 Honorary Award for Unique Contribution to Nutrition and Dietetics in January 2020.
- Received Realistic Award from Pakwan and Rajwada for Professional Dietitian Feb 2020.
A Leader in Dietetics
Dharini Krishnan runs a YouTube channel called Dharini Krishnan’s Easy Diet, where she shares valuable insights on nutrition. She is also the first dietitian to develop DIGEST, an innovative software designed for dietitians, which has been utilized in colleges for training students in dietetics. Her esteemed clientele includes prominent institutions such as the National Institute of Nutrition, Xcode Life Sciences, Army Sports Institute in Pune, CMC in Ludhiana, T.B. Institute in Chennai, and the UNICEF Project in Madurai. Additionally, she has collaborated with Tufts University, YRG Care Centre for AIDS in Chennai, Sundaram Medical Foundation in Chennai, and various dietitians both abroad and in India, including Manipal Care and Cure at five centers across the country.
From 2001 to 2011, Dharini operated a website, www.edigestdoc.com, which provided diet calculations for ten years. This resource was widely used by dietitians, dietitian students, hotels, canteens, and hostels. Moreover, she created Nutritracs, an app designed for tracking calories on the go. This app was utilized in research projects with Central Washington University and the University of Southern Queensland. Her contributions to the field using the Nutritracs App include two research papers and two posters presented at the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations in Granada, Spain.
