Hi Komalji
I live in joint family, non-veg. Our family ladies are very good cooks.
We eat delicious, rich, heavy food always and non-veg every day.
My friends are telling me this is not good; I should eat more healthy.
Now I agree but I cannot change my family.
What can I do for myself to eat healthy and stay healthy?
I will become a graduate this year.
Farzana

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.

It’s good to know that you eat healthy.

Focus on a high protein, fibre rich, low fat and low carb diet.

Eat lots of vegetables, fruits and salads.

Include whole grains, nuts and anti-inflammatory foods.

Drink plenty of water to remain well hydrated and sleep well.

Do strengthening and endurance exercises with some cardio activities to increase lean mass.

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.