For more than 15 years, Nikola Molnárová has been working in nutrition consulting and creating customized meals. Her services are not only used by those who want to lose weight, on the contrary, there are more and more people who want to eat healthy and balanced, but do not have time to prepare such meals and therefore pay for "boxed food". She also recommends molecular hydrogen products to her clients for healthy eating, which has proven successful with different types of customers.
To begin with, how would you characterize a typical client who seeks your services?
Most of my clients are usually looking to improve their health and lifestyle through a balanced diet. They are people who are looking for a personalized approach to food and eating that will help them achieve their goals, whether it is weight loss, improving energy levels or changing their eating habits. Another part of my clients are those who already have good eating habits, but absolutely do not have the time to prepare their meals for work. These are, for example, doctors or executives, who specify their exact tastes and quantities of food to me so that they are comfortable and feel good without having to deal with shopping and cooking.
Is it more the goal of clients to reduce weight or to set up healthy eating?
It depends on each individual. Some clients come in with the goal of losing weight, while others focus more on setting healthy eating habits and improving overall health. My approach is to support clients in their individual goals and help them find a positive balanced and sustainable approach to eating. Some people start to lose weight just by having a regular intake of five meals a day, as paradoxically many obese people are undernourished. They have a huge intake of fats and sugars, but the other components are lacking. Once a regular intake of quality food is set, the pounds go down on their own.
What is your opinion on how many meals a day should we eat?
It is important that people eat regularly and in a balanced way to keep energy levels constant and avoid overeating. I recommend eating smaller portions but more frequently throughout the day, ideally every 3-4 hours. As for the calorie issue, every person is different and needs different amounts of energy depending on their goals, lifestyle and metabolism. Therefore, it is important to monitor not only the amount of calories, but also the quality of food and the nutritional value of meals. We set this up individually with each client, because a professional athlete who also has a huge energy expenditure will have a different intake and a person with a sedentary job will have a different one.
Many people ask the question of meat - to eat or not to eat? What do you think about it?
I think every individual has different needs and preferences in terms of diet. Meat can be a source of important nutrients such as protein, iron and B vitamins, but it can also contain fats that can raise bad cholesterol levels.
Some studies suggest a link between excessive consumption of red meat, including pork and beef, and an increased risk of certain cancers, such as colon cancer. There is also some suggestion that some people may have problems digesting red meat, which can cause indigestion, bloating and so on. As with everything, there should be moderation and balance. It is important to include a sufficient variety of foods in the diet to ensure all nutritional needs are met.
Can we get all the nutrients and vitamins we need from a good diet? Do you recommend supplementation?
A healthy and balanced diet should be able to provide most of the nutrients and vitamins needed. However, there are situations where supplementation may be appropriate, especially if a client has any specific needs or deficiencies. I recommend consulting with a nutritionist or physician before starting supplementation.
The current trend is hydrogen water, which speeds up metabolism. Do you have experience with this with your clients?
Hydrogen water is an interesting phenomenon and has been the subject of research regarding its potential health benefits. Hydrogen water instead of regular water is a great way to not only hydrate the body, but it's also a way to jumpstart metabolism and improve overall health. For those who need to lose weight then I recommend the H2 Slim&Fit product, which reduces energy intake while increasing energy expenditure. Increasing hydrogen in the body has proven to work for me with different types of clients who enjoy more energy but also faster weight loss. I personally recommend clients focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise such as walking, and a healthy lifestyle as a basic step to achieving their goals.