Eager to lose weight but don’t fancy the GLP1 jabs that have shrunk your favourite celebrities in half? These edible hacks may be what you’re looking for
Malaika Arora has previously revealed that she ends her day with a cup of hot water and cinnamon. Pic Courtesy/@malaikaaroraofficial on Instagram
It’s hard to browse through social media and escape the seeming omnipresence of Ozempic, Wegovy and other GLP1 injectables: the weight-loss jabs have changed the narrative around what real, sustainable wellness truly entails. Much of the conversation surrounding these medications has to do with how they work, namely by suppressing appetite and regulating digestion. And, to no-one’s surprise, many fitness hack-loving influencers have taken a leap of faith to what they dub as Nature’s Ozempic or foods that mimic the effects of these injections. Although many nutritionists warn that such claims are oversimplified and can be misleading, there is some truth to the correlation between blood sugar and weight gain.
Incorporating flaxseeds in your porridge can be a good start
“When blood sugar levels fluctuate drastically, they trigger insulin surges that store fat and leave you feeling hungry more often. But from our experience, we’ve seen significant transformations when individuals focus on stabilising blood sugar through lifestyle, not just food. While whole foods are powerful, what truly impacts blood sugar and weight is the overall lifestyle — how you move, how you sleep, how you manage stress and emotions. A holistic approach that addresses all these pillars is what drives real, lasting change,” says Deepika Rathod, chief nutrition officer at Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems.
Alia Bhatt whips up a chia seed pudding in her kitchen. PIC COURTESY/ALIA BHATT ON INSTAGRAM
She offers a few alternatives that can help in moderating blood sugar spikes and preventing hunger pangs:
>> Psyllium husk is widely suggested. It’s rich in soluble fibre and forms a gel in your gut that slows glucose absorption. One patient saw a drop of nearly 10 points in their fasting sugar within weeks.
>> Chia seeds are equally powerful. With fibre and Omega-3s, they keep you fuller for longer and support satiety.
>> Flaxseeds are another excellent choice — they’re anti-inflammatory, packed with fibre and help stabilise blood sugar.
>> A pinch of cinnamon in warm water after meals can support insulin sensitivity. It’s a simple trick that we’ve seen work wonders.
Psyllium husk is rich in soluble fibre
She recommends starting small if you’ve never consumed these foods before: begin with 1 tsp of soaked chia or flaxseeds a day, which you can add to porridges, smoothies or yogurt. Additionally, it is imperative to consume enough water to help these fibres to pass smoothly through your system. The benefits are subtle but powerful — curbing cravings, supporting digestion, and keeping energy stable throughout the day.
Add chia seeds to your smoothies. REPRESENTATION PICS/ISTOCK
Consume with care
>> Don’t overdo it. More isn’t better; excess can cause gas, heaviness or even blockages.
>> Don’t combine it with medication without supervision. For example, if you’re on diabetes medicines such as metformin, always consult your doctor first — fibre can interfere with absorption.
Deepika Rathod
>> Avoid it if you have pre-existing gut issues. One client took three tbsp of chia seeds without guidance and experienced significant bloating and discomfort.
Information courtesy: Deepika Rathod
Disclaimer: Readers should seek expert medical advice before attempting new dietary interventions mentioned in this article
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