Rama Talak’s journey began in Pune. After getting married, Rama moved to Goa in 2020. In Goa, she quickly noticed how hard it was to create standard meal plans for small hospitals due to the wide variety of fish people eat there. She started working as a consultant at Aster Multispecialty Hospital. In March 2022, Rama, along with her co-sister Dr. Sanjivi Talak, founded Talak Health Care & Lifestyles. Their clinic, located in Margao’s Sheesh Mahal building behind Loyola High School, operates on the principle of not making patients compromise on taste or health.
Early Beginnings and Education
Rama has a solid educational background in nutrition. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition (FSN), a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics, and a Master of Science in Dietetics and Food Service Management. Additionally, she is certified in Ayurvedic and bariatric diets. Her interest in dietetics was sparked by personal health experiences and a strong desire to help others achieve holistic health. Her guiding motto is clear: people should not have to choose between good taste and good health.
Professional Journey in Pune
Before moving to Goa, Rama worked extensively in Pune. She conducted workshops for well-known schools and IT firms. She also gained experience in managing patients with bariatric issues and cancer, as well as providing lactation management. She interned in multispecialty hospitals, which helped her build a strong foundation for her future career.
Establishing Talak Health Care & Lifestyles
In March 2022, Rama and Dr. Sanjivi Talak opened their clinic, Talak Health Care & Lifestyles. They brought a new approach to patient care, focusing on not compromising taste for health. They emphasize mindful and quality eating, ensuring that patients enjoy their food while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The clinic offers a range of diet-related services, including weight management programs, hormone management diet plans, paediatric diet plans, lactation guidance, chronic disease diet plans, and sports nutrition.
Growth and Innovations
Since its opening, the clinic has steadily increased its patient base and added new services. Rama visits Borkar Nursing Home and Aster Hospital on a reference basis and conducts workshops for corporate companies and schools. She also works with special children, providing them with the care and support they need. Her approach is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where patients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their lifestyle.
Patient Care Philosophy
Rama’s patient care philosophy revolves around empathy and personalised plans. She emphasises evidence-based practices and a holistic health approach. She customises dietary plans based on patients’ medical history, body composition, lifestyle, and preferences. Using the latest nutritional research, Rama ensures continuous support through regular follow-ups, recipe guidance, and WhatsApp assistance.
Innovations in Care
Rama has introduced several innovations at her clinic. These include telehealth consultations, advanced body composition analysis, and a WhatsApp channel called “Foodies Diet” that educates people about diet and creates awareness. She has also launched unique programs like virtual cooking classes, corporate wellness programs, and community health workshops to further her commitment to innovative care.
Success Stories and Patient Transformations
Rama has many memorable patient success stories. These include not only weight loss but also weight gain, regularisation of menstrual cycles, hormone regulation, and aiding conception. She tracks patient progress through regular check-ups, focusing on consistent follow-ups, personalised plans, and patient commitment. While she maintains strict privacy protocols, reviews on Google and social media platforms show the clinic’s success.
Impact of Location on Practice
The local dietary habits, cultural food preferences, and seasonal food availability in Goa significantly impact Rama’s practice. High patient engagement and strong word-of-mouth referrals are notable benefits. Rama integrates current wellness trends in Goa, such as intermittent fasting, keto diets, and detox plans, with evidence-based practices.
Challenges and Solutions
Rama faces common challenges like patient adherence to plans and nutritional misinformation. She tackles these by starting with flexible plans, educating clients on the benefits of various foods, and keeping them motivated. Unique logistical challenges in Goa include seasonal food availability and cultural dietary habits.
Future Goals and Trends in Goa
Rama’s long-term goals for her practice in Goa include expanding services and increasing community outreach. The future of dietetics in Goa is set to focus on preventive care, increased public awareness, and personalised nutrition. Rama is optimistic about integrating wellness trends with evidence-based practices, critically evaluating trends, and combining them with proven methods.
Emphasis on Holistic Health
Rama has conducted diet awareness camps on various occasions, such as local festivals, Women’s Day, Nutrition Week, and Lactation Month. By emphasising holistic health, she ensures the effectiveness of new policies through patient feedback surveys and health outcome tracking.
Conclusion
Rama Talak’s journey from Pune to Goa shows her dedication to holistic nutrition and patient care. Through Talak Health Care & Lifestyles, Rama has changed the dietary landscape in Goa. She has successfully merged taste with health and integrated modern wellness trends with traditional practices. Her commitment to personalised, evidence-based nutrition plans continues to inspire and positively impact the community.
