Q&A with The Harrods Dietitian
Meet Reshma, the Dietitian at Harrods. With 15 years of nutritional consultancy and armed with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and a Master's in Dietetics, she is not just about credentials; Reshma has collaborated with top health organisations like the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK to champion better health across the UK.
Q: Reshma, let’s dive into your background and how you got to where you are today, ‘The dietitian at Harrods’?
My journey to becoming the dietitian at Harrods has been both enriching and educational. I gained experience in various settings, including hospitals, community centers, and private practice. My approach has always been to blend scientific knowledge with practical, tailor-made advice for my clients. Joining Harrods was a natural step that allowed me to reach a wider, more targeted audience, focusing on high-quality, sustainable nutrition choices in an environment that values exceptional service and expertise.
Q: What are some of the most common challenges your clients face when they come to you, and how do you approach them?
One of the most common challenges my clients face is navigating the overwhelming amount of information and misinformation about diets and health. My approach is to simplify this complexity by focusing on evidence-based recommendations tailored to their personal health needs and lifestyle preferences. I emphasise the importance of understanding the basics of nutrition and building sustainable habits rather than pursuing quick fixes. My clients are extremely busy and global travellers so I tailor advice to work around this lifestyle.
Personally, I find meal delivery services like Kurami, which focus on providing nutritionally balanced meals, invaluable during my travels. Sharing this experience, I often recommend similar services to my clients as a convenient way to ensure they receive gut-focused nutrition despite their busy lifestyles.
Q: We know that diet culture is huge on social media, and we also understand that this is a focus point for many diets that people choose rather than improving longevity, gut health, brain health, and so many other things. What would your advice be to people who are focusing on those wins over the approach of overall wellness?
Social media can indeed distort our views of health and wellness. My advice is to shift the focus from short-term, appearance-based goals to long-term health and wellbeing. It’s important to adopt a holistic approach that includes not just dietary changes, but also other factors like physical activity, mental health, and sleep. Wellness is multifaceted, and achieving balance in all these areas is key to sustaining good health over a lifetime. I always conduct a thorough supplement review as most nutrients are achieved through a balanced diet and this should be the foundations of wellness and not using supplements to replace foods.
Q: What are some of the key principles you follow when it comes to nutrition?
The key principles I follow are balance, variety, and moderation, something that I know Kurami completely embodies and I think is so important. I advocate for a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of foods to ensure all nutrient needs are met. I also stress the importance of moderation, understanding portion sizes, and listening to one’s body cues to avoid overeating. Additionally, I focus on whole foods, minimising processed foods, and choosing sustainable and ethical options whenever possible.
Q: Lastly, can you walk us through a day in the life of the Dietitian at Harrods?
A typical day for me usually starts off with the arrival of my Kurami meal plan, specifically the full signature path, which sets a positive tone for the day ahead! Knowing I have a nutritionally balanced meal waiting allows me to focus fully on my busy schedule, which often involves meeting with clients for personalised nutrition counselling sessions and designing tailored diet plans to align with their health objectives. In addition to client consultations, I also host workshops and seminars to educate both clients and colleagues on a variety of health topics. You'll also often find me exploring the food halls of Harrods, analysing products in my spare time. At the end of the day, I look forward to unwinding with another nutritious meal from Kurami. I like to ensure that even amidst the demands of my schedule, I prioritise my own health and well-being.
You can find out more about Reshma over on instagram at @thedietitianglobal.
To get a taste of the nutritionally balanced, Kurami meal paths that Reshma uses in her daily life, click to explore options.