PNS|HYDERABAD
In a world where people’s health is of utmost importance, The Diet Xperts, founded by Simrat Kathuria, shines brightly as a beacon of guidance, assisting people in realising their greatest potential. Founded with the goal of revolutionising our understanding of nutrition, this innovative team has emerged as the premier source for knowledgeable, individualised nutritional advice. It is aware that each body is different and that everybody has different needs. There are no generic recommendations or cookie-cutter diets; rather, their team of experts takes the time to listen, comprehend and create customised plans that meet the unique needs and objectives of every client.
Excerpts from the interview:
When you started the business in 2011, what kind of personal contradiction were you trying to address?
In 2011, “dieting” referred to calorie restriction and was viewed as a kind of punishment. I wanted to reintroduce food with kindness. Seeing people fear food rather than comprehend it motivated me to develop an empowering, evidence-based strategy. My goal was to make nutrition sustainable, individualised and grounded on science rather than fads. It was also personal. I observed how food may be a long-term healer and the gaps in preventive care.
How do you get people, particularly in Tier 2 cities, to view their plates differently without asking them to give up their identity in a nation where food is intricately entwined with tradition, emotion and social ritual?
Instead of enforcing, we teach. We demonstrate how, with a few small adjustments, even basic ghar ka khana can have therapeutic effects. We honour cultural customs while updating how they are prepared or portioned. Awareness is the first step toward true change. We begin with minor mental adjustments rather than significant changes to our way of life. When you work with people rather than against them, they are more likely to trust you.
In today’s pharmaceutical-dominated world, the “Food Over Medicine” campaign is a daring ideological stand. Was there a particular patient or incident that led you to believe that food can be used as a first line of treatment?
A pivotal moment in my path occurred when a diabetic client cured insulin reliance through dietary changes. I learned that improved food literacy is more important for chronic diseases than lifetime medicine. The idea that prevention is more effective than treatment gave rise to the campaign. Although food may not always be a substitute for medication, we frequently ignore it as the first line of treatment.
What have you learned about trust, sustainability and scale from bootstrapping in an era of tech-heavy platforms and venture-backed wellness apps?
I learned the importance of process and patience from bootstrapping; it’s powerful to expand gradually. I improved my listening skills; every encounter with a client turned into a teaching opportunity rather than a simple transaction. It aided in establishing natural trust, which cannot be purchased with marketing funds. I prioritised connections and results over investor pitch decks and vanity metrics.
How do you resolve the conflict between the bureaucratic speed of government health efforts and the grassroots nutritional advice that you have experienced as a healthcare professional and in positions on public policy advisory boards?
I get to witness the transformation of actual lives at the grassroots level. I get to have an impact on systems at the policy level. Although the pace may vary, both levels are essential—policy helps me scale impact, while clinical work keeps me in contact. I support evidence-based advocacy, bringing field realities to policy boards. I want to close the gap between bureaucratic institutions and workable, on-the-ground solutions.
What are the cultural, professional and even philosophical aspects of Punjabi culture that you can maintain by remaining anchored there?
My clients in Ludhiana have been my greatest teachers and supporters, which helps me stay grounded. It enables me to maintain my connection to authentic India, which is frequently overlooked in discussions of metropolitan wellness. Professionally, it demonstrates that you don’t need a metro pin code to make a worldwide impact. The city reminds me of the “why” behind my profession and ties me to community caring.
How do you compete in a field where scientific rigour is occasionally overshadowed by virality?
The field of wellness nowadays is noisy, with aesthetics frequently taking precedence over the sciences. I don’t follow fashions. I foster trust. Research, not reels, is the foundation of every piece of advice I offer. Our customers are more astute than we realise; they value outcomes above appearances. Although it could take longer to acquire traction, authenticity endures once it is established.
Could you describe a situation that affected you profoundly?
After chemotherapy, one cancer survivor came to us feeling weak, nervous and uncertain about her future. She regained her energy and lucidity with a therapeutic diet and she finally went back to work. Her emotional recovery—food gave her hope in addition to strength—was what really impressed me. I was reminded that healing is a multifaceted process. Nutrition has an impact on the soul as much as the body.
In what ways do your own customs influence The Diet Xperts’ culture and philosophy?
I stay in line with my mission thanks to my regular exercise, healthy eating and reading routines. Our workplace is peaceful, mindful and health-driven because of these personal rituals. I think the founder’s values—holistic rather than merely high-performing—should be reflected in the team culture. Here, we honour equilibrium. Peaceful productivity.
How would you define inclusion in the context of health?
Providing plans that suit all budgets, body types and backgrounds is what it means to be inclusive. We prioritise strength, energy and mental health over “ideal” weights. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness; I have worked with a variety of celebrities, models, homemakers, PCOD sufferers, cancer survivors and youngsters.We use transformation success rather than weight.
How will you strike a balance between economic expansion and authenticity when you plan to introduce your own line of health products?
We are committed to changing with our clients’ requirements and while we do have some ideas in the works, we will do so with the same level of care, honesty and science that characterizes our offerings. We don’t rush things; for us, it’s about producing real value rather than following trends. We pay attention, we watch and we act when it is appropriate.
In retrospect, whatever misconception about food and health have you spent your life trying to dispel?
That dieting is the same as being deprived! I’ve dedicated my professional life to bringing sustainability and nourishment into the forefront. Education is essential to altering the belief that consuming fats or carbohydrates is “bad.” Eating the correct food at the right time for the right need is what promotes wellness, not cutting back on food. Fortunately, many people are choosing balance over extremes these days.
