Content creator's weight loss diet sparks expert debate

Makeup content creator Abhiniti Sikka recently shared a social media reel detailing how she lost 25 kilos, going from 100 kilos down to 75 without crash diets. Her daily meal plan starts with saffron water, followed by three egg whites with bagel seasoning, dandelion tea, and iced coffee. For lunch, she eats a low-carb, high-protein roti with a fibre-rich sabzi and a protein source, paired with homemade chilli oil. Her day also includes a post-gym protein shake, a homemade snack, and a plate of moong dal daliya for dinner. Medical and nutrition experts have raised several concerns regarding the nutritional adequacy of this routine. Samiksha Chordiya, senior dietician at DPU Super Specialty Hospital in Pimpri, Pune, stated that healthy weight loss relies on adequate nutrition and a manageable calorie deficit rather than skipping meals or cutting calories drastically. Deepa Mishra, dietitian at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital in Mukundapur, Kolkata, noted that the diet appears low in fibre, fruits, and vegetables, while potentially falling short on protein, vitamins, and micronutrients. Mishra added that saffron water is not essential for weight loss, sugar syrup should be avoided in iced tea, and exercise is equally important for sustainable results. Nupur Gulati, a nutrition and lifestyle transformation expert, provided a detailed meal-by-meal critique. She pointed out that morning saffron water is not a fat-loss remedy, discarding egg yolks removes vital nutrients, and the lunch lacks adequate vegetable volume and a clearly defined protein serving. Gulati also advised against processed high-protein flours in favour of whole grains and real protein sources. Furthermore, she noted that the evening snack of murmura and peanuts, while containing healthy fats, is calorie-dense and not strictly fat-free. Finally, she suggested adding a distinct protein anchor like chicken, fish, paneer, or tofu to the dinner daliya to support muscle recovery for gym trainees.