In a world where fitness trends come and go, true fitness is about more than just following the latest workout fad or diet. It’s about adopting a holistic approach that encompasses proper nutrition, balanced lifestyle habits, and physical activity tailored to individual needs. Onlymyhealth’s Poshan Summit 2024 aims to spotlight the importance of nutrition as the foundation of maintaining true fitness standards and promoting long-term health.
The Role of Nutrition in Fitness
When we think about fitness, most of us envision rigorous workout routines, endurance exercises, or building muscle mass. However, fitness is not solely determined by physical activity. The foundation of true fitness lies in what we consume—our nutrition. A well-balanced diet fuels our body, aids in recovery, and ensures we perform at our best, both physically and mentally.
Diet and fitness enthusiasts and health professionals, attending the Poshan Summit 2024, discussing how nutrition plays a pivotal role in overall health in one of the panel discussions. Nutrition affects every aspect of fitness, including energy levels, metabolism, recovery, and endurance. Whether you're an elite athlete or someone striving for a healthy lifestyle, nutrition should always take centre stage.
Customizing Nutrition for Fitness
One key takeaway from this specific discussion is the need for personalised nutrition plans. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all diets. Today, there’s a growing realisation that each individual has unique nutritional needs based on genetics, body composition, activity levels, and health conditions.
At the summit, experts emphasised the importance of understanding one's body type, metabolic rate, and specific goals before determining the right nutritional approach. For example, some individuals may need higher protein intake to support muscle recovery, while others may benefit from a diet rich in healthy fats to maintain optimal energy levels. This personalized approach ensures the body gets the nutrients it needs to function efficiently.
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Ayurveda’s Perspective on Nutrition and Fitness
In addition to modern nutritional science, ancient Ayurvedic principles also offer valuable insights into the role of nutrition in fitness. Ayurveda teaches that our body is governed by three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—each influencing how we digest food and how our body reacts to stress and environmental factors.
Jyoti Arora, Chief Dietitician, All India Institute Of Ayurveda discussed how aligning one’s diet with their dosha can improve digestion, balance energy levels, and maintain optimal health. Incorporating the right balance of tastes—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, pungent, and astringent—is essential in Ayurveda, which contrasts with the modern focus on macronutrients like proteins and carbs. By embracing both modern and traditional approaches, individuals can optimize their nutrition for true fitness.
Protein: How Much is Enough?
A significant topic discussed during the summit was protein intake. Protein has become a billion-dollar industry, with supplements and protein-rich diets being heavily marketed. However, experts at Poshan 2024 caution against overconsumption of protein. While protein is essential for muscle repair and recovery, excessive amounts can put undue stress on the kidneys and liver.
According to Dr Sanjay Sood, Chief Medical Officer, Super Speciality Block, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, the average adult requires around 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. This amount may increase slightly for athletes or individuals engaged in high-intensity exercise, but the consensus is clear—more isn’t always better. In fact, consuming excess protein without proper exercise may result in the body storing it as fat, which contradicts the goal of maintaining a fit physique.
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Traditional Foods: A Balanced Approach
One of the most valuable messages from the summit was the return to traditional diets. Indian cuisine, particularly meals like khichdi, which combines pulses and cereals, offers a balanced mix of essential amino acids. Traditional foods are nutrient-dense, easy to digest, and offer a perfect combination of proteins, carbs, and fats. Dr Geetika Chopra, Celebrity Nutritionist, Founder- Magic Dietitian advocate for incorporating these age-old meals into modern diets to ensure optimal health and fitness without over-relying on processed foods or supplements.
Bottomline
The Poshan Summit 2024 highlighted the crucial role that nutrition plays in maintaining true fitness standards. As the experts emphasized, fitness isn’t just about lifting weights or running marathons—it’s about nourishing your body with the right foods, tailored to your unique needs. Whether through personalized nutrition plans or incorporating traditional Ayurvedic practices, achieving fitness is about balance. With the right nutrition, anyone can improve their health, sustain energy levels, and reach their fitness goals.