Celebrity chef Kunal Kapur, who is making a comeback to the new season of the popular cooking show 'MasterChef India', has shared a critical perspective on the whirlwind of food advice found on social media platforms. He believes the constant barrage of trends and claims often leaves people more bewildered than informed about what constitutes healthy eating.
The Social Media Food Frenzy: Helpful or Harmful?
In a conversation with IANS, Kapur pointed out the overwhelming pace at which people consume social media content. Food, he noted, is a major category that dominates feeds, filled with conflicting messages. "You'll see someone claiming a particular food is a miracle 'superfood', while another labels it unhealthy. Some advice is genuine, but a lot of it lacks proper verification," the chef explained. This flood of information, according to him, creates confusion rather than clarity for those trying to make better snacking and dietary choices.
Health is More Than Just the Ingredient
Kapur emphasized that a holistic view is essential. Health is not a function of what you eat alone. "It's a combination of factors: how you eat your food, the cooking methods you use, the timing of your meals, and critically, the portion sizes," he stated. He also highlighted the importance of individuality, suggesting that a dish suitable for one body type may not be ideal for another. Blindly following a trend because it worked for an influencer can be counterproductive.
The renowned chef challenged a common misconception head-on. "No food is inherently unhealthy," Kunal Kapur asserted. He used the example of ghee or butter, often demonized, to make his point. "Every food item provides some form of nutrition; that is its fundamental purpose. Labeling something as 'unhealthy' is an oversimplification."
The Real Culprit: Lifestyle Choices
So, what makes food bad for you? Kapur places the responsibility squarely on our daily habits. "It is our lifestyle choices that render food unhealthy," he said. A sedentary routine with minimal physical activity means the body does not burn the calories consumed, especially from calorie-dense foods. The imbalance between intake and expenditure is the core issue, not the food itself.
His advice is simple and empowering. "Unless you have a specific medical condition that restricts certain foods, all foods can have a place in a healthy diet. Remember this equation: you have to burn what you eat. That is the key," Kapur summarized.
He doesn't dismiss social media entirely, though. Kapur encourages food enthusiasts to experiment with recipes they discover online. However, he urges them to be their own judge. "Try out what you see, and then share your honest feedback in the comments. Was the recipe right for you? Your experience can guide others," he added, promoting a culture of shared, practical learning over blind adherence.
The new season of 'MasterChef India', featuring Kunal Kapur, airs on Sony Entertainment Television and the Sony Liv streaming platform.
