Renowned chef Kunal Kapur is making his comeback in the new season of “MasterChef India.” He expresses concern that the frenzy surrounding social media food trends often confuses more than it clarifies.
Social Media and Food Confusion
Kunal points out that the rapid consumption of social media can create misunderstandings, especially regarding healthy and unhealthy snacking. He stated, “What has happened is that everyone is consuming social media at a very rapid pace and continuously.”
He elaborated on the prevalence of food discussions online, stating, “Food is one of those verticals that constantly appears on your social media feed, with people claiming that certain foods are healthy, others are not, that a particular food suits you, or that a specific ingredient is a ‘superfood.’ Some of these claims are true, while others cannot really be vouched for.”
Health Beyond Eating
For Kunal, health transcends mere dietary choices. He emphasized, “But there is a simple principle you need to understand: health is not just a function of what you eat; it also depends on how you eat, how you cook your food, when you eat it, and in what quantity.”
He noted that different body types may require different dietary approaches, explaining, “Additionally, your body type may be better suited for certain dishes, and eating the same food as someone with a different body type may not be ideal.”
Redefining Unhealthy Foods
The chef insists that no food should be inherently labeled as unhealthy. “To elaborate further, no food is inherently unhealthy. We often label something ‘unhealthy’ just because it contains a lot of ghee or butter—but every food provides nutrition; that is its purpose.”
He attributes unhealthy eating habits to lifestyle choices, stating, “What makes food unhealthy is our lifestyle choices. If we have a sedentary lifestyle, don’t move much, and don’t burn calories, then calorie-dense foods may not be good for us.”
Encouragement to Experiment
Kunal encourages individuals to try out recipes they encounter online but advises them to assess what works best for them. “So, unless you have a specific body condition that restricts certain foods, all foods can be healthy. You just need to remember this equation: you have to burn what you eat, and that is key to healthy living.”
He urges followers to share their experiences, saying, “Try out what you see on social media, and then share your reaction in the comments on whether it was right or wrong for others to follow.”
“MasterChef India” airs on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Liv.