Fascinated with glossy food pictures and healthy eating habits from a very young age, Swati Bathwal always knew that she had it in her to become a dietitian. Her passion soon became her profession when she completed her Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics from Australia. She also holds a post graduate degree in Diabetics Education and Management and is a qualified Sports Dietitian. She is the only Australian Indian to qualify as a dietitian for the Olympic Committee.
A multi faceted person, Swati is a qualified yoga teacher and is registered internationally for body composition analysis as an Anthropometrist. She contributes weekly to various newspapers and is also a blogger. Bathwal is very passionate about reaching out to the masses and sharing her knowledge and also does a radio show over the weekends. She feels very strongly against the use of plastic and does her bit in protecting the environment.
Born in an affluent family in Ranchi, Swati did her early schooling from Bishop Westcott Girls School, Ranchi and then moved to Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior, for her higher education. She later moved to Australia to pursue her career as a nutritionist.
“When I was in Australia, I worked in a fuel station over the weekends to be able to pay my rent. I also did odd jobs here and there, so life was a bit of a struggle. I did not tell my parents fearing they would call me back home. I have always done what my heart has said and I am very passionate towards my work. When I completed my Masters, I wanted to share my knowledge with as many people as possible,” said Bathwal.
Coming from a traditional Marwari family where ghee is a primary cooking ingredient, Bathwal strongly believes that ‘desi ghee’ is a super food in today’s age. Ghee is also a great source of vitamin A, D, E and K. According to Bathwal one teaspoon per person per meal is a must and about two tablespoon on a daily basis. The more yellow the color the richer it is in vitamins and other nutrients. The best oils for Indian cooking are mustard oil, groundnut oil, sesame oil or desi ghee. Olive oil is always used for tossing and it should never be heated. Olive oil should always be stored in a glass bottle.
According to Bathwal the biggest myth about diabetes is ‘that sugar is bad for a diabetic’. She says, “Diabetes is more of a life- style issue which could be related to stress, hormones and sleep pattern and it’s not just about one’s diet. Diet is just a way to manage your sugar levels and all the other factors also need to be looked at. Most people think that if they have diabetes, they need to stop sugar completely, but they have to look at carbohydrates. Having a complete management of diabetes is more important rather than looking at just one aspect.”
She has worked with bureaucrats, aspiring models, actors and top cricketers- both in India and internationally. Her contribution in the fitness of many athletes and sports personalities is well acclaimed.
Sharing her experience with her clients, Swati said, “I always tell my clients that you have to be best friends with your dietitian.
You can be good friends with your doctor but if you don’t like your dietitian you won’t like your food. That trust and confidence is very important. You put in 100 percent and I will put in 200 percent. If you plan to eat out just let me know where and I will choose from the menu and help you decide what is good for you. I will also tell you which alcohol to have and in what quantity.”
“Just like one medicine doesn’t suit everybody. It’s the same way, one lifestyle and diet does not suit everyone. It has to be customized and based on what they like, so that it becomes a permanent solution rather than a short term cure.”
Recalling her experience as a dietitian in India Bathwal said, “When I came to India after a decade it was like moving to a new country. I gradually became friends with a lot of Australians and people from other expat communities. I got an opportunity to become the President of the Australian and New Zealand Association. The work environment in India is very different and there is this mentality that if I can cook then I know all about nutrition”
Daughter of late Dr. Nirmal Kumar Bathwal and Neera Bathwal, Swati feels her parents were always very supportive of her decision and encouraged her with whatever she wanted to do in life. “My husband just lets me do what I want to do. Looking at all this life looks easy but you have to create the right balance. Striking the right balance among life, work and family is a struggle.”