Eating a nutrient-rich diet is essential for good health—but what you eat, how you eat it, and when you eat it matters just as much. Many people today blindly follow food trends seen on social media, assuming that anything labelled “healthy” will automatically suit everyone. According to nutrition experts, this mindset can actually damage digestion, hormones, and overall health.

Celebrity nutritionist Shweta Shah explains that no single food is universally good or bad. “Just because a food is trending doesn’t mean it’s right for your body,” she says, adding that even nutritious foods can cause problems if consumed incorrectly.

Here are some popular ‘healthy’ foods that may become harmful due to wrong eating habits:

Healthy Smoothies – But Only If Taken Correctly

Smoothies made with fruits, yogurt, and nuts are considered highly nutritious. Many people consume them daily, especially in the morning. However, drinking smoothies cold can disturb digestion.

Cold smoothies may:

• Slow down digestion

• Cause bloating or weakness

• Negatively affect gut and hormone balance

According to experts, smoothies should ideally be room temperature or slightly warm, especially for people with sensitive digestion.

Multigrain Roti – Not for Everyone

Multigrain flour is trending again, replacing plain wheat flour in many households. While ancient diets included a variety of grains, they were eaten seasonally and selectively.

Problems arise when:

• Too many grains are mixed together

• The body is unable to digest them properly

For some people, multigrain rotis can cause heaviness, gas, and bloating. Nutritionists suggest choosing grains based on your digestion and the season.

Raw Salad – Timing Matters

Salads are often recommended before meals and are rich in vitamins and minerals. However, eating raw salads at night, especially while trying to lose weight, can be harmful.

Possible effects:

• Disturbed gut health

• Poor sleep quality

• Indigestion and bloating

Raw foods are harder to digest at night. Cooked vegetables are a better option for dinner.

Completely Avoiding Desi Ghee

In the name of fitness, many people completely eliminate ghee from their diet. This is another major mistake.

Desi ghee:

• Supports gut health

• Helps nutrient absorption

• Provides essential good fats

Avoiding it entirely can harm digestion and hormonal balance. The key is moderation, not elimination.

Expert Insight

Celebrity nutritionist Shweta Shah, who has worked with Bollywood actresses like Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone, as well as athletes including MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant, emphasizes an Ayurveda-based, personalised approach to eating.

She advises focusing on:

• Seasonal foods

• Proper food combinations

• Eating according to your body type and digestion