She started her weight loss journey by tackling her previous binge-eating habits and focusing on enhancing her overall mental well-being. In a YouTube video, she shared, ‘Four years ago, I decided to transform my life, take control, and embark on my weight loss journey.’
“I am celebrating four years today, and I am super excited about it. It has changed my life more than I ever expected.” Nikki lost the initial 50 pounds in under five months and dropped an additional 20 pounds six months afterwards. She and her husband explored various meal options to find healthy substitutes for their favourite junk foods.
“We started to find different foods that we could have to create substitutes because we ate a lot of fast food,” she said. Adding on she said, “I wanted to keep enjoying those types of foods because we liked them, but I aimed to find lower-calorie alternatives, whether from restaurants or recipes, I could prepare at home.”
All you need to know about Copycat meals
Creating a copycat meal at home allows you to enjoy your favourite restaurant flavours without leaving the house, and often with healthier and more affordable ingredients. Here are some benefits and risks associated with these DIY recipes shared by Ruchita Batra, Nutritionist and lifestyle fitness coach.
Benefits of copycat meal
Cost Savings: Cooking at home is generally more affordable than eating out, making it ideal for students and youngsters on a budget it can fit everyone’s pocket.
Healthier Ingredients: You can use less processed ingredients, reduce sugar or sodium, and opt for healthier oils, allowing you to indulge in similar flavours without going through guilt cycles during your weight loss journey
Customisation and Dietary Control: You can easily adjust recipes to fit specific dietary needs, like gluten-free, keto, or vegan, while also without compromising on your flavours.
Convenience: Many copycat recipes are designed to be quick and easy using common kitchen tools, making them perfect for busy schedules.
Risks associated with copycat meals
Nutritional Imbalance: If not carefully planned, some homemade versions can still be high in calories, fat, or sugar, especially for fried or cheesy dishes.
Misleading Health Claims: Some recipes marketed as “healthier” alternatives may still contain hidden calories or unhealthy ingredients.
Portion Control Issues: Recreating indulgent restaurant meals can lead to overeating if portions aren’t controlled.
Copycat meals strike a balance between enjoyment and health if prepared mindfully.