The much-hyped “Size Zero Figure” came into limelight when Kareena Kapoor had shed weight for the movie Tashan, bringing dietician Rujuta Diwarekar to instant fame. When Kareena stepped into her labor room, she had put on whooping 18kilos, led by her high-calorie diet including ghee-laden parathas & meat(oh yes! She turned into a non-vegetarian after getting married to the Nawab Saif Ali Khan), keeping a billion people obsessed about her pregnancy, her maternity style and of course her oomph. When Kareena Kapoor lost 12 kilos 3 months after post-pregnancy, she made headlines in media – both online & offine. So, what Are  A Mother’s Diet Secrets? Yet again, Rujuta Diwarekar’s mantra for diet & fitness regimen divulged secrets & myths behind crash-dieting, created wonders for the actress. She emphasizes on a straight-forward approach to combat weight-loss without jeopardizing the health. Some Myth Busters All Carbs Make You Fat Carbs have been unnecessarily considered monsters since over 10 years. Not all carbs are bad. While it is true that regular intake of a high intake of carbs from sodas, candy, and pastries everyday will certainly cause you to pile on the pounds, carbs from foods like oats, brown rice, and dal provide energy and play a vital role in overall health & energy. Carbohydrates are a must. Moderation is the key. Every mother is a gate-keeper to her family shielding it from anything that may cause harm in any way. And, I am no different.

• I do not allow my child to exceed her screen time beyond 45 minutes a day.
• Not more than 4 chocolates a week.
• Atleast 1 whole fruit everyday.
• No separate cooking for my family and baby. Everyone eats the same spice, sweet & the same salt.

While all of us have certain guidelines we abide to, deep down in our heart we as mothers love our family and want them to enjoy the little things we cherished as a child. Tell me if you did not enjoy any of these as a child –

• A hot samosa on a rainy day
• Dadi’s murukku after school
• A bowl of Maggi when you are bored with the Lauki made for dinner for the second time in the week
• A lollipop while your mom was shopping for her Diwali saree
• A generous helping of chips; helping with Daal Chawal.
• Naani’s Gulab Jamun on occasions – Not just 1 or 2, but even 4 at times.

When you have enjoyed these little things in your childhood, why can’t your children? And while we do not advocate over indulging in these everyday, we definitely believe that we should not be so harsh on our children. No food item is completely healthy or unhealthy. A balanced diet in moderation is the key to good health. A balanced diet should provide approximate 50-60% of total calories in a day from carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from fat. According to ICMR recommendation on Dietary Guidelines for Indians, the total fat in the diet should provide between 20-30% of total calories. The total fat intake in the diets can go up to 50g per person. India is a country within a country. Every 100 kms, you would find the cuisines changing. From Papads to Pickles, the Curries to Chutneys – everything is dynamic. While people of the East enjoy the Rasogullas, people of the South enjoy Medhu Vadas, people of the North enjoy Shahi Tukda & people of the West enjoy Vada Pav. And while we embrace the palatial differences of all the regions, there are some foods that are enjoyed by all. Albeit, we consume them ONLY in moderation these are foods that we as Indians thoroughly relish. Maggi Noodles - The newly launched Maggi Oats Noodles is the new craze among the health conscious mommies whose children can’t live without them. Occasional indulgence is always good. And if it is Oats Maggi… boss occasional se zyaada to banta hi hai ;) And if you are talking of the calories in a bowl of Maggi Noodles, it has lesser fat (11-13g) than a cheese sandwich or your aloo paratha. It is steamed just like our idli is & fried for a minute only to ensure it can be preserved fresh for months until you consume it on a after mid-night movie hungry tummy! Your body needs a little of everything in moderation – carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals & essential oils. What do you guys think?