When it comes to losing weight and achieving our fitness goals, we leave no stone unturned. And it looks like Hrithik Roshan does the same, as Rohit Bose Roy revealed. While talking about the role of nutrition and diet in helping one achieve their fitness goals on the podcast “Unstoppable,” the host revealed that the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara star weighs his food every time. “When I was shooting for a film with Hrithik, I saw that his food was weighed out with the exact amount of protein, carbs and fat,” Roy told Sharman Joshi.
Fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are the building blocks of nutrition, each with their own unique role in our body: “Fats provide essential fatty acids and aid in nutrient absorption, proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth, and carbohydrates boost our energy levels,” says Eshanka Wahi, culinary nutritionist, holistic wellness coach, and founder of eat clean with Eshanka.
But will experts give the green light to this practice?
Indeed, measuring food in terms of fat, protein and carbohydrates can be an effective strategy to achieve fitness goals, said Shruti K. Bhardwaj, chief nutritionist, Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad.
Dr HP Bharati, deputy chief medical officer at Jindal NatureCure Institute, agrees and says tracking your food intake may help you achieve your fitness goals: “Measuring your fat, protein and carbohydrate intake can help you precisely manage your calorie and nutrient balance. Using this technology, you can ensure that you are meeting your body's requirements without over- or under-intake.”
Portion control can help those wanting to lose weight by creating the calorie deficit needed to lose fat. “Those wanting to build muscle, on the other hand, need to ensure they're getting enough calories and protein in their diet. Additionally, monitoring your macros can reveal patterns in your eating habits so you can make changes to improve your results,” says Dr. Bharati.
Dr. Bhardwaj explained the process in detail.
Accuracy: Tracking your macronutrient intake gives you precise control over your diet. “Knowing exactly how much fat, protein, and carbohydrates you're consuming allows you to tailor your intake to your specific fitness goals, whether that's weight loss, muscle building, or maintenance,” says Bhardwaj.
Balanced nutrition: Focusing on macronutrients ensures a balanced diet. Each macronutrient plays a key role in supporting different bodily functions. “Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, fat is important for hormone regulation and cell structure, and carbohydrates provide energy for daily activity and exercise,” explains Bhardwaj.
Does measuring your food make a difference? (Credit: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Optimize performance: The right macronutrient balance can enhance athletic performance. “Athletes often tailor their macronutrient intake to fuel training, promote recovery and optimize body composition. For example, consuming more carbohydrates before exercise can improve endurance, while adequate protein intake supports muscle repair and growth,” says Bhardwaj.
Awareness: Tracking macronutrients increases awareness of your food choices and portion sizes. It encourages mindful eating and helps you identify patterns and habits that are preventing you from reaching your fitness goals. “This awareness leads to better decision-making and long-term diet adherence,” says Bhardwaj.
Flexibility: Measuring macronutrients gives you flexibility in your food choices. Instead of following a restrictive diet, you can enjoy a variety of foods while still meeting your nutritional needs. This flexibility makes dieting more sustainable and enjoyable, Bhardwaj adds.
Personalisation: Different people have different nutritional needs depending on their age, weight, activity level and goals. Measuring macronutrients allows for a personalised nutrition plan that is tailored to individual requirements, ensuring optimal results, Bhardwaj added.
While there are many benefits to measuring your food, it's important to maintain a balanced approach. “Food anxiety and unhealthy eating habits can arise from obsessive monitoring. It's important to think of measuring as a guideline rather than a strict regulation. Talking to a dietitian can provide tailored advice and assistance to support you through this process and ensure the strategy suits your unique requirements and preferences,” says Bhardwaj.
By focusing on macronutrient balance, portion control and mindful eating habits, you can take control of your nutrition and pave the way to a healthier, happier you, Wahi added.
