"Food Is For Sustenance, Not For Taste," Says Shalini Passi

The most talked about addition to the Indian reality TV series ‘Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Lives’, Shalini Passi, recently opened up about her day-to-day approach on food, and fitness.

Speaking about her desire to maintain a body of a 20- year-old, Shalini Passi, said, “In 2018 when I was going through this inner transformation… I started the foundation, and I wanted to do so many things… I was getting a lot of inspiration. But I was like, I need strength… I need my back not to hurt, I need my eyes to function… I don’t want my eyes to pain after reading all day… afterall I am a 49-year-old.”

Further, she said," I did not want to be a burden on anyone, which prompted her to take certain steps to maintain the vitality of a 20-year-old. “I started manifesting, exercising and strength training.”

Regarding the change in her diet, the fitness enthusiast mentioned that she limited her raw food consumption to a certain timing. Interestingly, she revealed, "I take my meals at room temperature, because I sort of gave up that taste, that food part… to be able to focus on my work, because sometimes food becomes a hindrance. We wait for our lunch time, and we waste half-an-hour and then we are waiting for dinner. So, for me food is for sustenance, not for taste.”

Advantages, pitfalls of considering food for sustenance

Viewing food strictly as sustenance emphasizes nutrient intake for optimal health, which can promote a balanced diet and aid in weight management, reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases. This health-driven mindset promotes a disciplined eating habit, proven to be beneficial for battling chronic conditions.

This might reduce the fun, cultural pertinence of consuming your daily meals given your bandwidth of consumption becomes limited. It's a given food enthusiasts would completely disagree with the notion that food is only to cater to your survival needs. Moreover, what proves useful is to be considerate towards your tastebuds, and the need to meet your daily requisite for proteins, carbs, and essential vitamins, and minerals.  

this approach may diminish the joy and cultural significance of food, potentially leading to a strained relationship with eating, 
reducing variety, and even causing nutrient deficiencies if food choices become overly restrictive. Enjoyment of food plays a crucial role in mental well-being, and a balanced view can enhance long-term adherence to healthy eating patterns.