Nuts, smoothies and granola may seem healthy, but Tamannaah Bhatia’s fitness trainer Siddhartha Singh says they can still derail your weight-loss efforts.
Celebrity trainer Siddhartha Singh debunks healthy food calorie myth. (Instagram/@officialsiddharthasingh)
According to Siddhartha, body weight changes depend on calorie balance, meaning the total calories consumed should be lower than the total calories burned. He stressed that when people refer to a food as “healthy”, they are usually talking about the quality of its ingredients rather than its calorie content. (Also read: Cult Fit founder shares 4 simple exercises that should be mandatory if you work on a laptop all day )
Healthy doesn’t always mean low-calorie
“Healthy food does not necessarily mean low-calorie. Let’s understand this with a practical example. Body weight changes depend on calorie balance. Your total calories consumed should be less than the total calories you have burned. Now, when we say healthy food, we are referring to the quality of the ingredients and not how many calories it has. All foods are made up of either proteins, carbohydrates, or fats. And all foods have calories,” says Siddharth.
Using everyday examples, Siddhartha pointed out that some commonly perceived healthy foods can contribute a significant number of calories when consumed in large quantities.
How can you enjoy food while trying to lose fat
Siddhartha emphasised that portion size plays a crucial role in determining the calorie content of a meal.
“So what I’m trying to say is the total amount of calories in a food totally depends on the quantity you’re having. And not whether it is labeled healthy or unhealthy. A simple, practical approach if you’re trying to lose fat is when you’re having nuts have a handful of nuts. You don’t have to eat nuts like the ones you have in the market,” he says.
Sharing simple strategies to keep calories in check, he advises being mindful of portions and additions. “Oils, when you use them, measure them with a teaspoon or a tablespoon. When you’re having a smoothie, leave it as a smoothie. Don’t put anything else in it. Granola, use it for taste, not as a whole meal in the morning.”
Siddhartha also advised people to focus on balanced meals rather than categorising foods as strictly healthy or unhealthy. “Always balance your plate. You should have proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to make it a complete meal, keeping you fuller for longer.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
