If there is one thing that the pandemic brought on, it’s been an increased focus on our personal health and wellness. But if like me, you struggle with making sense of the plethora of information available online, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

We reached out to Eshanka Wahi, Wellness Advocate and Nutrition Coach, and asked her to host an Ask Me Anything session on the Girl Tribe by MissMalini App and answer all questions the Tribe had on achieving their nutrition and fitness goals. She answered questions on ways to find the right diet that works for you, how sleep, diet, and exercise correlate, dealing with weight loss plateau, nutrition deficiencies, and more!

Q. What according to you is the best thing to have first thing (on an empty stomach) in the morning?

Water at room temperature. If your gut is not acidic, then having a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar in warm water. It is also great for gut bacteria. Having soaked almonds and walnuts is also recommended.

Q. I am really bloated and don’t really know the reason behind it. I’m not on a diet as such but have reduced my overall food intake. Could that be a reason?

Try eliminating grains (especially gluten) for a week, and then try eliminating dairy for a week. See if the bloating goes away with these steps. Also, please have herbal teas such as cinnamon tea, fennel tea, cumin+carom tea, lemon tea, green tea, etc. two to three times a day.

Q. What are some protein-rich options for vegetarians?

Paneer, halloumi, beans, tofu, tempeh, and protein powder as a smoothie are some vegetarian protein options. Please add hemp powder, pumpkin, sunflower and chia seeds, walnuts and almonds to your diet too.

Q. How to get out of a weight loss plateau?

It’s important to keep our body’s metabolism confused. Please try shocking your body. Do a cheat day and eat anything you want and then jump back into a clean diet but with completely different foods. Change up your workout too. For example, if you’ve been doing machines for cardio in the gym, try yoga or Pilates.

Q. What’s the best time for meals, and the latest we should be having dinner?

I recommend eating along with the circadian rhythm which means finishing your last meal before sunset. Eating heavier meals before 3 pm is always a great idea as our body’s natural metabolism is at its highest then.

What’s your current fitness goal? Please share it with us in the comments below!

Join the Girl Tribe by MissMalini to be a part of more such conversations. Explore the app!