MasterChef Sanjeev Kapoor Advocates 'Namak Sehat Anusar': "We Should Not Overdo Anything"

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who made 'Namak Swaad Anusar' (salt to taste) a catchphrase in Indian kitchens, is now rethinking that philosophy with 'Namak Sehat Anusar', reflecting his journey toward more mindful, health-driven eating.

"We Don't Realise How Much Salt We're Consuming"

The change in his catchphrase was necessitated by a growing concern over increased sodium consumption in the Indian context, particularly with the proliferation of packaged foods. “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”, he shared in a conversation with Rajan Navani and BK Shivani on the Think Right Podcast. He highlighted that Indians now "eat much more sodium" than their bodies require. This personal evolution in his culinary wisdom signifies a move towards conscious eating and a greater sense of responsibility in food preparation.

Known for his approachable recipes and feel-good kitchen presence, Celebrity Chef Kapoor has always connected deeply with Indian households. But in recent years, he's been advocating for more mindful eating choices, especially as lifestyle diseases continue to rise. The change marks a broader evolution in Kapoor's approach, from flavour-first to well-being-first. For him, the idea is not about giving up taste but about making choices with greater intention. It's a reminder that health and enjoyment don't have to be at odds.

Photo Credit: Instagram

"You Should Not Overdo Anything..."

His philosophy extends beyond what we eat to how and when we eat. Speaking about fasting and meal timing, the culinary icon offered a grounded, practical view, rooted in both lived experience and logic.
“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.”
He likened fasting to other forms of rest and recovery we already value. “If you exercise and do weights, you rest afterwards. Recovery is part of progress. In the context of food, fasting is rest and recovery.”

Kapoor described fasting not as a trend or rule, but a process, something you ease into, whether it's 14 hours or 16. His takeaway is clear: just as sleep is essential for overall recovery, pausing digestion through fasting gives the body space to reset.

This measured approach resonates with many in the wellness community, including Bollywood. Malaika Arora swears by her “no food after 7 pm” rule, calling it the secret behind her energy and skin. Kareena Kapoor Khan also follows early-dinner habits. Akshay Kumar, long known for his disciplined routine, has promoted early dinners and light eating for years.
Stars like Varun Dhawan follow 14–16 hour intermittent fasting windows, while Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar reportedly lean toward OMAD (one-meal-a-day) patterns to maintain energy and control.

But India's best-known chef isn't prescribing any rigid template. His message is rooted in balance, not extremes. "Rest is important. Whether it's sleep, fasting, or mental quiet, recovery is part of living well," he shared.