Cutting carbs is a common tactic, but a dietitian says it’s worth thinking twice

Depinder Chhibber is a chef. The 34-year-old shares her day on a plate.

7.30am A glass of warm water to help me warm up, followed by a cup of homemade chai, while feeding my kids breakfast.

8.30am Two hard-boiled eggs with chilli oil. I am currently trying very hard to avoid carbs for the next few weeks. Another glass of warm water, plus water from my large bottle which I fill up and drink throughout the day.

10.30am A banana and a keto granola yoghurt bowl, topped with fresh berries and a tiny drizzle of maple.

12.30pm My lunch today is a clean-out-my-fridge tuna salad: tuna in chilli oil along with cabbage, spring onion, tomatoes, onion, cucumber and sesame dressing. I also have coconut water.

3.30pm It is time for another cup of chai! I need at least two cups a day to keep me running before I take my kids to martial arts.

5.30pm An apple and a grape salad sprinkled with black salt. I love this so much but black salt is such an acquired taste.

7pm For dinner tonight we are having oven-roasted chicken thigh fillets, cauliflower rice and smashed cucumber salad.

9.30pm I have a peppermint tea and some magnesium tablets to help me wind down before bed.

Top marks for … An impressive variety of fruit and vegetables, providing a broad mix of fibres, vitamins and protective plant compounds. The eggs, yoghurt, tuna and chicken also spread quality protein across the day.

If you keep eating like this you’ll … Get plenty of produce, but avoiding all carbohydrate foods may limit important fibre types found in wholegrains and legumes. These feed different gut microbes and support bowel, metabolic and heart health.

Why don’t you try… Focusing on reducing refined carbohydrates and added sugars, rather than carbohydrates as a whole. Eat modest portions of fibre-rich foods such as lentils, chickpeas and oats – even with these included, the day can remain relatively low in carbohydrates overall.

Enjoy an Indian afternoon tea with MasterChef Australia ’s Depinder Chhibber and others at FEAST: Chaat Show Edition, presented by Sydney Fringe Festival 2026 on September 12.

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