‘Mom mixed whey protein in rotis’: Nutritionist’s daughter reveals unusual childhood food habits

Pratika Thakur, a digital creator, recently shared on Instagram how being raised by a nutritionist has influenced her childhood food habits. She revealed that she began consuming protein powders at just one year old and started taking whey protein when she was twelve. Her mother would mix the protein powder into rotis for her daily consumption. Pratika stated that she never had chocolate milk or similar items before starting school; instead, she had a protein shake with a fruit every day.

Thakur also mentioned that every member of her family engages in weightlifting. If someone visited her home, they would find snacks like makhana (fox nuts) or walnuts available, but junk food was only consumed after finishing the protein-rich alternatives. If one wished to eat junk food, they had to consume their meal first or have a protein shake beforehand.

According to Dt. Gulnaaz Shaikh, a chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, consuming protein shakes at a young age may not directly hinder growth. However, she emphasized that protein shakes can displace whole foods, which are crucial during formative years, as they provide a full spectrum of nutrients along with protein. Whole foods also contain vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber that protein shakes lack.

Shaikh advised that protein shakes are most effective when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. They are beneficial when meeting elevated protein targets but can be avoided for teenagers who can easily achieve their protein goals through food. Moreover, one should pay attention to portion size, as excessive protein intake may put undue stress on kidneys.

The expert recommended distributing protein intake throughout the day across meals and healthy snacks instead of consuming large amounts in one go. This approach improves protein absorption, supports muscle recovery, maintains steady energy levels, and helps one feel full for longer. She concluded that rather than consuming a large quantity of protein in a single meal, it is better to spread it out across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one or two healthy snacks.