Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor has been synonymous with flavors, aromas, and the happiness of food for a long time. But at 61, his fitness recipe is as motivational as his recipes for the kitchen. Unexpectedly, it has nothing to do with crash diets or strict prohibitions. Kapoor, instead, swears by balance and moderation.
My tip to remaining fit and healthy at 60 is not to limit or abandon the consumption of things I enjoy. I actually follow a belief to consume everything and anything my heart desires," he revealed in a recent meeting.
Portion control and balance keep Sanjeev Kapoor fit at 61
For him, food is not merely about calories. "For me, food is about something greater than calories; it's about memories, feelings, and the happiness of sharing," he shared with HT Lifestyle. His game plan is very straightforward- portion control. "I don't think one can give up on one's favorite foods. Instead, I follow portion control… A small plate would do and satisfy your taste buds without any guilt. The secret is to relish, not stuff."
Kapoor also brings out unique seasonal produce. "Fresh and in-season fruits are higher in nutrients, more delicious, and far easier to digest," he stated. And when he was out at a function in New Delhi, he confessed to eating chole bhature, gol gappe, and Bengali sweets. But, he complimented it: "If I have Chole Bhature for lunch, I'll counter it with a light dinner, such as soup or grilled vegetables."
Outside the plate, Kapoor relies on long walks, movement in the kitchen, travel, meditation, and a good night's sleep to keep him going. "Interacting with people also keeps me energized," he said.
But is portion control sufficient? Not at all, opines nutritionist Aditi Prabhu, who runs NutroDynamix. In conversation with indianexpress.com, she said, "Portion control always helps, but whether it's sufficient to balance out indulgent foods depends on various factors," such as lifestyle, medical conditions, and how often one indulges.
She warns that, as helpful as balanced meals can be, rich foods such as chole bhature are not nutritionally balanced. Combining light dinners with protein, she added, would render the strategy healthier. She suggested some strength training for people above 60 to help preserve muscle and bones.
