Shilpa Thakur: Shaping the Path to Natural Wellness
At a time when nutrition consultancy is often more about viral trends and quick-fixes in the field of dieting, there is Shilpa Thakur as a voice of reason. As Founder & Director at MindfuleatingWshilpa, she has spent significant years changing the public’s minds regarding various myths about diet. Her strategy is not limited to using food as a tool to control size but tries to understand the effect of food on a person’s health.
Unlike many other diets and plans, Shilpa’s way is about flexibility and longevity over harsh restraints and personal deprivations. In her case, she supports a reasonable approach reflecting the scientific angle of nutrition and the art of being a food lover. Over the years, she has always made the point that eating healthily is not about avoiding tasty foods or going on fad ‘cleansing’ diets. She only focuses on the natural capacity of the body to achieve health through dieting.
As a clinical nutritionist, Shilpa has assisted a number of patients with different diseases and illnesses and get better through dietary changes. Her life’s mission: to diminish people’s reliance on medications with the help of natural foods displays a progressive approach.
Below interview highlights will give a glimpse into her journey.
Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to become a dietitian?
I am a double postgraduate. I have an M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition and a Postgraduate Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics, with over 30 years of experience in the field. My journey into dietetics was fuelled by a deep passion for understanding how food impacts health and well-being. Over the years, I’ve specialized in various areas, including bariatric nutrition, oncology, renal, critical care, respiratory, paediatrics obesity, diabetic, gastro, pregnancy and lactation and more, earning certifications like the FODMAP Diet certification from Monash University, Australia, HACCP Certification from BSI London, DM Educator certification from HOPES,USA & many LLL program from ESPEN ( European Society etc to empower myself in super specialization related to Dietetics.
What truly inspired me to pursue this path was the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. My parents’ unwavering support for my academic pursuits and their encouragement to follow my passions played a crucial role in my decision to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics. They always believed in my abilities and encouraged me to make a positive impact on the world. I’ve found immense fulfilment in helping others lead healthier lives by advising on nutrition for major events, such as educating through books, conferences, social media and workshops.
How do you approach creating personalized diet plans for your clients?
When creating personalized diet plans, my approach begins with understanding the individual holistically. I start by conducting a detailed assessment, which includes their medical history, current health conditions, lifestyle, eating habits, preferences, and cultural or religious dietary restrictions. Understanding these aspects helps me design a plan that is not only nutritionally balanced but also practical and sustainable for them.
Next, I evaluate their specific health goals—whether it’s managing a condition like diabetes, enhancing performance for athletes, or improving overall well-being. For instance, someone with diabetes might require a focus on glycaemic control, while an athlete may need higher protein and energy intake for recovery and performance.
I also factor in their current knowledge and relationship with food. Some clients might need education on portion control, while others may benefit from learning how to read food labels or balance meals effectively. This helps them make empowered choices beyond the plan I provide.
Once I’ve gathered all this information, I create a diet plan that aligns with their goals while incorporating their favourite foods in moderation. A successful plan is not about eliminating foods but about teaching balance and ensuring nutritional needs are met.
Lastly, I emphasize continuous monitoring and flexibility. Bodies change, and so do circumstances. Regular follow-ups allow me to tweak the plan based on their progress, challenges, and feedback, ensuring it stays effective and sustainable. My goal is always to create a plan that fits seamlessly into their life, not the other way around.
In your opinion, what is the most important factor for someone to maintain a healthy lifestyle long-term?
In my opinion, the most important factor for maintaining a healthy lifestyle long-term is consistency. True health is not about quick fixes or temporary diets—it’s about making small, sustainable changes that become part of your daily routine. This means finding a balance that works for you, rather than striving for perfection or following overly restrictive plans that are hard to maintain.
A key aspect of consistency is building habits that align with your goals. For example, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals, staying physically active in a way you enjoy, and prioritizing hydration are all simple yet effective steps. These habits don’t have to be drastic; even small improvements over time can lead to significant results.
Equally important is having a positive relationship with food and understanding that it’s okay to indulge occasionally. Depriving yourself entirely of the foods you love can make maintaining a healthy lifestyle feel like a chore. Instead, focus on moderation and balance, ensuring that the majority of your choices support your health while leaving room for flexibility.
Lastly, I believe self-awareness plays a big role. Being mindful of how your body feels, recognizing when you’re stressed or tired, and understanding how certain habits impact your well-being can help you make informed decisions that support long-term health. Consistency, mindfulness, and balance are the foundation of a sustainable healthy lifestyle.
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