IIT Bhubaneswar Hosts Nutrition Awareness Talk on Healthier Choices

In a proactive effort to promote healthier eating habits, the Sanjeevan Health Centre at IIT Bhubaneswar hosted an awareness talk titled “Reducing Consumption of Sugar, Salt, and Oil.” The event took place at the Community Centre on March 15, 2024, in conjunction with National Nutrition Month. Collaborating with Kalinga Hospital, the session featured insights from Dr. Anjana Tripathy, a clinical nutritionist from the hospital.

Dr. Tripathy’s presentation addressed the significant health risks associated with excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fats, which she described as “silent culprits” behind serious conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. During the session, participants had the opportunity to sample millet foods, promoting alternative dietary choices that are both nutritious and sustainable.

The clinical nutritionist encouraged attendees to adopt small but impactful changes in their diets. Suggestions included opting for fruit-infused water, decreasing salt in cooking, and carefully measuring oil usage. Dr. Tripathy passionately stated, “Food is medicine—by choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, we can protect our overall health and liver function.”

Promoting Mindful Eating and Nutrition Myths

The talk also aimed to dispel prevalent myths about nutrition, particularly the notion that skipping meals or completely avoiding fats is beneficial for health. Instead, the emphasis was placed on mindful eating, balanced diets, and moderation in the consumption of high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods as essential elements for long-term wellness.

As part of the initiative, millet-based foods were highlighted not only for their health benefits but also for their role as an environmentally sustainable dietary option. The sampling and sale of these products underscored the event’s message of “Nutrition for All – Together Towards a Healthy India.”

Present at the event was Smt. Shruti Karmalkar, Advisor for Residents’ Clubs at IIT Bhubaneswar, along with several notable figures including Dr. Seema Bahinipati, Professor-in-Charge (Healthcare), Dr. Sivaiah Bathula, NSS Coordinator, and Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Khan, Senior Medical Officer. Their participation highlighted the collaborative effort towards fostering a healthier community through better dietary practices.

This awareness talk is part of a broader initiative to enhance nutritional education and encourage healthier lifestyle choices among the residents of IIT Bhubaneswar and the surrounding community. The focus on practical dietary adjustments and the promotion of nutritious foods aims to pave the way for improved public health outcomes in the region.