Beyond The Recipe: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor On Moderation, Fasting, And Food Wisdom
Reflecting on his personal journey toward more mindful, health-driven eating, chef Sanjeev Kapoor talks about the increased consumption of sodium among Indians.
Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, the man who turned 'Namak Swaad Anusar" (salt to taste) into a kitchen mantra across Indian households, is now gently rewriting that wisdom. His new outlook: 'Namak Sehat Anusar" (salt to suit your health) – reflects a more conscious approach to food, born out of both personal introspection and growing health concerns around excessive sodium intake.
The shift comes at a time when India is grappling with a rise in lifestyle diseases, and hidden salt in processed and packaged foods has become a major dietary issue. 'We don't realise how much salt we're consuming, not from the food we make, but from the food we buy. Snacks, sauces, ready-to-eat items… salt is hidden in everything," Kapoor shared during a conversation with Rajan Navani and BK Shivani on the Think Right Podcast. He added that Indians today 'eat much more sodium" than necessary, raising red flags about long-term health implications.
This evolution in his culinary mantra mirrors a larger transformation in Kapoor's journey – from celebrating flavour as a priority to embracing food as a tool for well-being. Known for demystifying gourmet cooking and bringing joy into the kitchen, Kapoor is now using that same platform to advocate for balance and health-conscious choices. But it's not about sacrificing taste, it's about cooking and eating with intention. His belief is simple: taste and health can, and should, go hand in hand.
His guidance also extends beyond ingredients to eating habits themselves, specifically, how and when we eat. Touching on fasting and mindful consumption, Kapoor offered practical insights shaped by personal experience. 'I propagate moderation and balance, and whatever it takes to do that," he said. 'You should not overdo anything. But we don't understand what 'not overdoing' means. By the time we get the signals, it's often too late."
Drawing a parallel with physical fitness, he described fasting as a natural form of rest. 'If you exercise and do weights, you rest afterwards. Recovery is part of progress. In the context of food, fasting is rest and recovery."
To Kapoor, fasting isn't a fad or a rigid rule; it's a flexible rhythm one grows into. Whether it's 14 hours or 16, the goal is to give the body space to reset. 'Just as sleep is essential for overall recovery, pausing digestion through fasting gives the body space to reset," he explained.
This measured mindset has found resonance in wellness circles, including among Bollywood's most health-conscious stars. Malaika Arora swears by not eating after 7 PM, citing it as the secret behind her glowing skin and high energy. Kareena Kapoor Khan also follows early dinners. Akshay Kumar has long advocated light evening meals, while Varun Dhawan is said to follow a 14–16 hour intermittent fasting schedule. Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar reportedly lean toward OMAD (one meal a day) to maintain energy and balance.
Yet, India's most beloved chef isn't offering prescriptions or one-size-fits-all diets. His message is one of gentleness and practicality. 'Rest is important. Whether it's sleep, fasting, or mental quiet, recovery is part of living well," adds Kapoor.
From encouraging home cooks to trust their instincts to now leading conversations around mindful eating, Sanjeev Kapoor's core message remains rooted in care. He's not promoting rigid discipline, but sustainable nourishment, for body, mind, and taste buds alike.
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First Published:
July 21, 2025, 12:14 IST
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