What Your Grandmother Knew About Sugar And Why Kareena Kapoor's Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar Agrees

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Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, known for her guidance to stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Varun Dhawan, recently stirred the pot in the wellness community with a bold statement: "It's not sugar, it's the lifestyle that's toxic."

Her perspective challenges the widespread vilification of sugar, particularly traditional Indian sweeteners such as jaggery and khansari, which she argues have been unfairly demonized by Western health narratives. This fresh outlook is causing quite the buzz, as it pushes against the grain of common dietary advice to completely shun sugar.

Rujuta Diwekar's recent video, which has quickly gained traction online, delivers a compelling message that calls for a reevaluation of sugar's role in our diets. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting sugar, encouraging consumption in a manner reminiscent of traditional practices.

This approach notably shifts away from the prevailing trend of sugar avoidance and instead suggests a more nuanced relationship with this often-maligned ingredient.

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One of Rujuta's key principles involves celebrating local and seasonal products, including sweets. She advocates for the consumption of indigenous fruits and traditional Indian desserts, highlighting the health benefits of embracing foods that are in harmony with the seasons.
For instance, she recommends enjoying mangoes during the summer and indulging in sesame laddoos during the winter months, as these practices are not only culturally significant but also nutritionally advantageous.

'Sugar Is Sweet, Don't Abuse It'

Rujuta Diwekar advises against the exclusion of sweets from festive celebrations, criticizing the modern trend of dieting that often leads to guilt and a disconnection from cultural food traditions. She argues that festive foods, such as those enjoyed during Diwali and Eid, serve to nourish the soul and should be enjoyed without remorse. This perspective champions the idea that food is more than just numbers-it's an emotional experience integral to cultural identity.

Moreover, Rujuta recommends pairing sugar with meals instead of consuming it on an empty stomach to prevent blood sugar spikes and maintain steady energy levels. She highlights the traditional practice of consuming jaggery post-meal, which is rooted in wisdom that benefits both health and digestion.

Choosing jaggery over refined sugar is another cornerstone of Rujuta's advice. Jaggery, a nutrient-rich, unrefined sugar, is celebrated for its digestive benefits, hormone-balancing properties, and ability to warm the body during colder seasons. Rujuta's advocacy for jaggery underscores the importance of selecting natural, wholesome sweeteners over their processed counterparts.

Ditching packaged desserts in favor of homemade treats is another recommendation from Rujuta. She encourages indulging in traditional Indian sweets like kheer, moong dal halwa, and other homemade delicacies over store-bought, processed desserts. This approach not only connects individuals with their cultural heritage but also promotes healthier eating habits by avoiding the excess sugar and additives found in packaged foods.

Rujuta Diwekar's message is clear: sugar itself is not the enemy. The real culprits are processed foods, erratic eating patterns, and stress. She urges everyone to eat wisely, not less, and to embrace traditional eating practices that have stood the test of time. The next time someone advises against enjoying a ghee-laden laddoo, Rujuta's wisdom offers a simple rebuttal: "It's fine" and move on, highlighting the importance of balance and understanding in our dietary choices.

By advocating for a return to traditional dietary practices and emphasizing the importance of context, culture, and lifestyle in determining the healthfulness of sugar, she offers a holistic view that goes beyond mere avoidance. Her approach encourages a balanced and informed relationship with food, reminding us of the joy and nourishment that traditional sweets can bring to our lives.