Upasana Konidela, the entrepreneur and wife of actor Ram Charan, has candidly discussed her lifelong relationship with food, revealing a personal history of emotional eating and being a "chubby kid." In a recent conversation, the 36-year-old shared her journey towards developing healthier habits and the mental shift required to take control.
The Honest Confession: A Journey from Comfort Food to Control
Upasana Konidela described her childhood self as a "very chubby kid" who turned to food for emotional comfort. She identified as an emotional eater, a pattern where food is used to cope with stress, sadness, or other feelings rather than physical hunger. "It wasn't easy for me," she admitted, highlighting the challenge of breaking this deep-seated habit.
The turning point came with a conscious decision. "I needed better habits, and I needed control over my body," Konidela explained. "That's when I realised and made the switch in my head…it's time for me to take control of my body. Not my body having control over me." This mindset shift forms the cornerstone of her approach to wellness today.
How She Manages Cravings for Indian Sweets and 'Fattening Stuff'
Despite her disciplined approach, Upasana's love for food, particularly traditional Indian sweets, remains. She openly declared her favourites: "I am not into cakes and all that. I like motichoor ladoo, rasmalai. I like all that fattening stuff."
Her strategy to manage these cravings involves a combination of self-talk and mindful avoidance. "Now, when I look at sweets, I am like… No, no, no…not good for me, my body," she stated. She practices moderation by eating such indulgences in small quantities but strictly avoids using food as an emotional crutch. "I don't indulge, especially when I am upset or depressed about anything. I won't be next to food," she emphasized, outlining a clear boundary.
In a lighter note contrasting with her husband's palate, she also revealed that unlike Ram Charan, she cannot handle "too much" spicy food.
Expert Advice: Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Eating
Inspired by Upasana's honest account, it's valuable to understand why emotional eating is a hurdle and how to overcome it. Clinical dietitian Garima Goyal explains that turning to sweets during emotional distress activates the brain's reward system, offering temporary comfort but failing to address the root emotion. Over time, this pattern can lead to weight gain, blood sugar issues, and feelings of guilt.
Goyal warns that relying on sugary foods can deepen the emotional cycle, making it harder to break free. To combat this, she suggests several practical steps:
Pause and Acknowledge: The first step is to notice the urge to eat and identify the underlying emotion without self-judgment. This self-awareness is crucial for change.
Replace with Healthier Strategies: Instead of reaching for a sweet, try alternatives like a short walk, deep breathing exercises, journaling your thoughts, or calling a friend for support.
Track Mood and Cravings: Maintaining a simple journal to log what you eat and how you feel can reveal powerful patterns and triggers, allowing for early intervention.
Practice Mindful Eating: Before eating, ask yourself if the hunger is physical or emotional. Slowing down the eating process helps in making conscious food choices.
Seek Structured Support: If emotional eating is a frequent struggle, consider seeking guidance from a professional who can help develop healthier coping tools and rebuild a positive relationship with food.
Goyal concludes that avoiding sweets during emotional vulnerability does more than cut calories; it encourages individuals to face and process their feelings in constructive ways. "Over time, these small shifts can improve both emotional resilience and overall health," she affirms.
Disclaimer: This article is based on public domain information and expert insights. Always consult a healthcare practitioner before making significant changes to your diet or routine.
