Dear Komal,
During the pandemic, one of the few things that can alleviate boredom or stress is food.
We tend to order out a lot and it is now showing in our physique.
Not ordering food is not an option. How do we order food that is healthy and tasty?
We most order non-veg, though we eat veg food as well.
Rakesh

Eating heavy or rich foods made in high fat and carbohydrates will cause an increase in body fat percentage, which will increase risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Strictly avoid these foods in your diet.

Incorporate healthy eating patterns like small frequent meals.

Include lots of plant foods like fibre-rich vegetables, fruits, beans, multigrain cereals, etc. This will strengthen your gut and improve metabolism.

Focus on protein rich foods like low fat dairy products, eggs, lean meat, nuts, pulses, etc.

Drink plenty of water for flushing out the toxins and adopt a regular exercise regimen.

I honestly sympathise with you about catering to everyone’s palate.

It is a mundane task to prepare individual dishes for different family members.

But you are the focal point, the queen of the kitchen, who can best decide what your family eats.

Though indulgence occasionally is fine, be firm with all.

Make them aware of the long term consequences of eating unhealthy food.

Lure them by including healthy foods like fruits, nuts, curd, etc, during the mid-meals/snacks time rather than unhealthy savouries.

Use healthy fats while cooking like olive oil, mustard oil, coconut oil or canola oil which are heart-healthy.

Butter and ghee are rich in saturated fats which we should not consume in large portions. But they are rich sources of Vitamins A, D, E and K.

Thus, overall consumption of fat should be monitored.

Make a variety of dishes with these healthy fats, less sugar and minimal salt.

Overall health can be maintained by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits and a good fitness regimen.

Enjoying life is definitely important but not at the cost of your health.

Make your health a priority and you will enjoy the best of life.

Endangering your life by carelessly eating will create more problems and take away the happiness of enjoyment!

Set a list of your priorities and focus on a scheduled exercise regimen.

Include healthy food options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, eggs, etc. And avoid unhealthy fats, high sugar fast and packaged foods.

Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated.

Limit your drinks and avoid binge eating.

Be firm, strong-willed and determined to lead a healthy life.

The joy of eating out can be measured in the ambience as well rather than the food only.

Food served at any restaurant will have a high fat and carb intake which is harmful if indulged in frequently.

Start your dinner outside with lemon water, clear soups and green salads without dressings.

Focus on grilled, steamed, boiled or barbecued food preparations.

Have protein-rich foods like lean meat, paneer, dal, curd, etc, made with less fat. This will add to the satiety value.

Avoid fried foods and sweets which will increase calorie and fat intake.

True wellness is being in harmony with Nature and its laws so that you can enjoy its blessings and lead a healthy and peaceful life.

A few practices to begin with:

Always eat fresh. Both packaged or stale food are not good for your body.

Try at least one fruit meal in a day if possible.

Eat all seasonal vegetables and fruits, as much variety as you can, but nothing in excess.

Don’t overeat or overfeed. Natural hunger is a sign of good health; if someone is not feeling hungry, we should look at the cause rather than force feeding.

Look at your shopping cart. Does it have more packaged foods or fresh vegetables and fruits? Try making pickles, jams and sauces at home rather than buying the packaged variety.

Salt and sugar should be regulated.

White sugar is harmful. Replace today with traditional forms like khand and jaggery but beware of artificial colouring.

Avoid fermented foods in the evening.

Lastly, avoid meals after 7-8 pm as anything consumed post sunset is hard on digestion; stale food in intestines is the root cause of most diseases.