Dr. Shikha Sharma Nutritionist / Wellness Advisor

A natural and balanced diet is the best preventive medicine for any type of disease. This is what Dr. Shikha Sharma, a renowned nutritionist and wellness advisor of the country, believes in. Her chains of weight loss centers, thronged by hundreds of people a month, also function on this mantra. Dr Shikha Sharma has transformed the perspective of thousands of people on the role played by diet in one’s life. She has made people realise that ‘the extra kilos on the body are not the result of consuming more food but a result of intake of wrong type of food’.

For her pioneering work in the field of preventive medicine, Dr. Shikha Sharman has bagged appreciation and awards from various quarters. In 2005, India Today, monthly current affairs magazine featured her among the top 50 young achievers of the country, while in the 2006, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) honored her with "Young achievers award”. In the same year, she was also showered the responsibility of training participants of India’s biggest beauty pageant ‘Miss India’. Besides this, she is officially been designated as the health expert of various new channels like CNBC, Zee TV and Sahara Samay.

In January 2006, Dr. Shikha Sharma took out time from her busy work schedule and recalled at length her entire journey in the field of Nutrition to National Network of Education (NNE) Correspondent. Excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Tell us something about your educational background and your childhood.

I belong to Delhi and it is here only that I grew up. I did my schooling till Std. XII from Modern School, Vasant Vihar. Thereafter, I went to Maulana Azad Medical College and studied MBBS.

Did you always aspire to be a nutritionist? If yes, why? If no, then how did you venture into this field?

No, I never dreamt to be a Nutritionist. The idea of venturing into this field took birth when I was working in G.B. Pant Hospital in year 1992 as a Junior Resident Doctor in the Cardiology Department. There I felt that there is treatment for virtually all diseases but sadly the country lacks a measure for preventive medicine. So I left my job as a doctor in the Cardiology Department and concentrated single mindedly on it. Initially, I worked with a weight loss centre to learn the practical aspects of losing weight. Thereafter, I set up my own weigh loss centre.

Do you think most of the diseases from which people suffers today are mainly related to the nutritional aspect?

Yes, absolutely. Its all due to the wrong eating habits developed by the people for which they are paying today. Cardio-Vascular diseases, obesity and many other diseases are to some extent the result of the wrong food habits and sedentary lifestyle. Its no wonder that because of this India has got the largest number of people in the world with Diabetics disease.

Are people gradually realizing the role played by a good diet in leading a healthy life?

Yes, definitely. The awareness level among people relating to the diet has increased over the last few years. Infact, the correct food habits were always been the part of our tradition. It was only during the middle phase, when people made themselves dependent on machines and gadgets for living a healthy life, but now they are getting back to their old mantra of ‘Eating right and stay healthy’.

Can you briefly chalk out a diet plan, which all age-groups can follow for leading a healthy and obese-free life?

I can’t tell u diet plan which all age groups can follow but yes there are some points which one needs to remember for the benefit of his/her health. Firstly, one should never skip food at any meal time. Instead of a skipping meal, one can have some light food to eat.. Those who cannot eat in the morning can have some fruits. Fruits are light and extremely good for health.

Secondly, one should go for unrefined foods. Refined foods like chips, sugar, tea and coffee, should be avoided as far as possible. Instead one should switch over to cereals like Barley and Jowar.

It is usually noticed that students give up eating when examinations are round the corner. The stress grips them and some students even get frail. What advice would you like to give to them so that they can manage their stress in a better way?

A diet full of natural vitamins and other essential nutrients is the best way to burst stress. So they should go for it instead of stop eating. But at the same time it is very important for them to eat right food. Aerated drinks like colas and food rich in sugar would only harm than doing any good to them. Students should go for plenty of fruits. Milk is another very good option. Remember-a natural diet not only enhances the concentration power but also keeps a person fresh throughout the day.

Will you like to comment on vegetarian vis-à-vis non-veg diets and their effects?

In my view, there is no diet better than a Vegetarian one. The vegetarian diet contains all essential nutrients- protein, minerals, and carbohydrates, required by the body for its effective functioning. Non-Vegetarian food, too, has nutrients but its not wise idea to have it daily. The ideal thing is to maintain a balance between the two diets for leading a healthier life.

What is the message you would like to give to society?

Take care of your body. Life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest only if your body is in good health. Therefore, looking after it is very important. Moreover, one should not neglect food instead should adopt the habit of eating right kind of food- the food which is natural and rich in vitamins and other nutritional values.

What’s in your view the importance of nutrition in the development of the country?

Nutrition plays a very significant role in the development of any country. Take the instance of our country alone, half of the population is undernourished and is suffering from deficiency disorder while the other half is battling lifestyle disorders due to over eating. I think the sooner the people realize the importance of nutrition in their lives it is better for them and for the country.

A message for students who want to take up career as Nutritionist.

I would say that venture into this career only if you are interested in it. An aptitude in the health field and penchant for interacting with the people are the two most important qualities required for an aspiring nutritionist.. No doubt, career in Nutrition field is very well-paid. One can make lots of money in it, but it should be no be sole criteria for entering in it.

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(As told to Priya Kapoor)