I got the no. of the diet helpline Saffola Dial a Dietician from a Saffola info card received at a supermarket. It’s a toll-free no.- 1600 22 2929, so one can call (From BSNL/MTNL fixed line only) without worrying about cost. Open daily 7.30 am to 7 pm.
The dieticians at the other end act with complete professionalism. After taking one’s data (if one has any problem or need a general advice, height, weight, any diseases, his/her dietary pattern etc) they spell out a detailed diet plan for him/her- for the entire day. One can ask any relevant questions or a clarification in between. They will be readily addressed. They talk like your friends, genuinely helping you out.
I called the line for advice on stomach problem (In January 2006) and was quite impressed with the advice. After the conversation I was quite clear about the diet I should follow to recover. One can just call the line even for any small diet-related query (Like I asked if having sweets after the meal helps digestion anyway). They are answered with due explanation. After taking down the advice, one can make any no. of follow-up calls time to time as required.
The helpline also effectively works at busting diet myths that come out in the conversation. For example I was discussing taking eggs. I came to know for the first time that the high-quality protein that an egg provides stays mostly in the white, and the yolk contains mostly fat and cholesterol. That’s why people with heart problem, obesity are advised taking egg whites only.
If you wanted to lose weight for years and have tried diets after diets, but with little results, you should give it a go. Diets generally fail as there is no diet that works for all. Customization is required in every diet plan. Dial a Dietician does just that for you. The dietician will make a diet that you can follow taking into consideration your tastes and preferences. Also if you have this nagging acidity or gas problem you can make a call. Generally the remedy in these cases is the right diet where you avoid certain foods and take more of some others.
I sincerely feel it’s an excellent service for women during pregnancy and post-delivery, people suffering from lifestyle diseases (Like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension), working people suffering from stress. It’s a relief for housewives worried about their husbands’ health but don’t know how to fix the diet without displeasing him.
Many diseases can be prevented by following the right diet guidelines and many diseases can not be completely cured without adhering to the diet advice. While doctors generally have less time to spell out a sound diet advice for you and consultant dieticians are very limited in nos (Mostly available in big cities), this free service from Saffola looks like a boon.