‘Don’t listen to rich boys’: Rujuta Diwekar slams Nikhil Kamath for promoting eating out daily; how frequently should you do it?

Diwekar, who has worked with Bollywood celebrities like Kareena Kapoor Khan, took to social media to stress the health benefits of home-cooked food. She stated, “Do not listen to rich boys, eating at home is a healthy practice. One that can prevent many diseases, lead to sharing between communities, and deepen bonds of love and security.”

Do not listen to rich boys, eating at home is a healthy practice. One that can prevent many diseases, lead to sharing between communities, and deepen bond of love and security. Learn to cook. Practice it often. Irrespective of gender, age or income. #gharkakhana

— Rujuta Diwekar (@RujutaDiwekar) February 19, 2025

She further encouraged people to learn to cook and practice it regularly, regardless of gender, age, or income.

Her comments came in direct contrast to Kamath’s observations about Singapore’s restaurant-dominated food culture. Kamath noted that cooking at home is nearly nonexistent in the city-state, suggesting that if India adopted a similar trend, it would create massive investment opportunities in the restaurant industry. His remarks ignited a heated discussion on social media, with many users debating the feasibility of such a shift in India, given differences in food affordability, hygiene concerns, and cultural eating habits.

I was in Singapore this week; most I met said they never cook at home, and others don’t have a kitchen.
If India were to follow this trend, investing/opening restaurants would be a massive opportunity, but we don’t have restaurant brands that have close to the scale Southeast… pic.twitter.com/xctpFUyV57

— Nikhil Kamath (@nikhilkamathcio) February 18, 2025

What happens to your body if you eat out daily?

While the idea of eliminating home cooking might seem appealing for convenience, research and expert insights warn of the potential long-term health risks associated with frequent restaurant meals. Consultant dietician and diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra explained the following problems that arise when you eat out daily:

🔹 Higher Caloric Intake: Restaurant meals often contain excessive calories, unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, which can lead to weight gain and poor dietary habits.

🔹 Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular consumption of processed and high-fat foods has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Studies show that individuals who eat out frequently tend to consume more unhealthy ingredients than those who prepare meals at home.

🔹 Food Hygiene Concerns: Unlike home kitchens, where hygiene standards are controlled, restaurant food poses potential safety risks, including foodborne illnesses due to improper storage or handling.

🔹 Metabolic Health Issues: Eating out frequently, particularly fast food and processed meals, is associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that heighten the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

How often should you eat out?

While occasional dining out is enjoyable, moderation is key when maintaining a healthy diet. Experts, including Malhotra, suggest the following:

✅ Limit restaurant meals to once or twice a week, prioritising home-cooked meals for better nutritional control.
✅ Opt for healthier restaurant choices, such as meals rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while avoiding fried foods and excessive sauces.
✅ Be mindful of portion sizes, as restaurant servings are often larger than necessary, leading to overeating.

While eating out has its place in modern lifestyles, making informed food choices is essential for long-term health and well-being.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine