There is so much variation in climate and availability that no one diet plan can suit everyone. It is not a completely impossible task to eat healthy. The key here is to balance. You need to balance your food intake and maintain your diet whenever you can. Also try to get in some exercise in the day.
What is a balanced diet? A diet that focuses on providing all the nutrients that your body needs. It comprises macronutrients like protein, carbohydrates and fat along with micronutrients which include vitamins and minerals. Each of them has a different role to play in maintaining various body functions.
Here are the 11 essential Indian foods that must be a part of every diet :
Matka water
Bring back the matka, the malmal cloth, and khus-khus grass. Add the khus-khus grass to the bottom of the matka, pour water on top, and wrap a malmal cloth around it. How does it help you? Khus khus is an ancient secret of keeping everything cool. The porous matka adds a unique taste and keeps water free of any pathogens- let's call it pure and mineral enriched. Khus Khus is also called Vetiver and you will find it in all high-end soaps and perfumes, not just for its distinct aroma but for its ability to reduce emotional anxiety and bring about a calming effect
Curd
For all those who suffer from constipation, gas and acidity, this one is an absolute must-have on a daily basis. The thing though is that you must set the curd at home. This allows the essential fats, the vit D and the vit B along with the B12 to be retained. The process of turning milk into Dahi naturally enhances the dahi with the “good bacteria”. The growth of this essential bacteria is curtailed in the “probiotic” products available in the market, that's exactly why they don't go bad for days together and have a long shelf life. Curd will strengthen your intestines, reduce acidity attacks and keep the bloating down
Cucumber
An alkaline body will have the best metabolism and will stay away from manifesting or developing diseases so make sure to include this humble super hydrating vegetable every day and enjoy the pleasures of a non-bloated body.
Sabja seeds
Move over chia seeds. Before the age of the internet and the flood of weight loss ads about chia, sabja seeds floated on every falooda, chaas and kheer in Indian homes. Not just a quick detox but an instant cooler and bloating reliever. Even a glass of water with soaked sabja seeds can help u get thinner.
Cinnamon
The lovely Indian spice cinnamon has a plethora of benefits that include super anti-inflammatory power and reduction of arthritic pain. Not only does it help curb LDL and blood sugar levels drastically but chewing a small piece of it also helps keep sweet cravings at bay.
Coconut water
The divine nectar from the most divine fruit that India has to offer is not just a thirst quencher but has the perfect balance of sodium and potassium to give your skin a baby fresh look. Yes, it prevents dehydration too and is a well known reliever of cramp and migraine during PMS trouble.
The power-packed Chana
It's a whole grain so it's packed with nutrients that stay intact .With the power to keep diabetes in check ,strengthening immunity and healing skin problems ,chickpeas help induce peaceful sleep, reduce cholesterol and are a great source of fibre.
Jowar
Naturally cooling in nature. This grain can overcome the weight loss plateau so bring jowar rotis back on your plate with ghee on it. Rich in vit B1, iron and fibre it can help you pick up the rate at which your body is burning fat. It is also considered a brain food. You want to be sleek and smart go get jowar.
Guava, the Indian Apple
Eat it everyday to keep the doctor away. It's rich in vitamin C ,antioxidants and fibre.A natural cleanser of teeth,pick the crunchy guavas to get the best out of it.
Lime
Your days Vit C kick will keep acne and over active sebaceous glands in check. Refreshing as it is also an effective fat burner. Squeeze in water with the sabja for the most relaxing, cleansing and cooling drink.Make sure to squeeze the lime inside out to get all the fibre.
Papaya
Rich in the enzyme papain ,papaya ensures the well being of your stomach thereby reflecting in excellent health of hair and Skin.Also a great source of beta carotene ,papaya is great for good vision.
Eating the right food is as important as eating them the right way. Here are a few common guidelines to Eat Right.
1. Eat fresh local seasonal foods
2. Listen to your stomach and stop eating when it signals you are full
3. Avoid processed , refined and packaged foods completely
4. You can use pickles judiciously with lunch
5. Avoid using biscuits and bread
6. Make sure you eat your dinner 1.5 hrs before you go to bed and also make sure u get a good sound restorative sleep of 7-8 hrs
7. Always remember " Sitting is Injurious To Health" , for every 30 mins of sitting you should move about for 3 mins
8.Drink sufficient water and cross check with your urine to be crystal clear
9. Once in a week eat the food u relish (cheat meal)
Note:
" Do not begin with a bang and fizzle out without a whisper", because cleansing the mind and body is a life long commitment not a fortnight or a one month plan.
Always remember "We eat for nourishment, not entertainment. We eat for intelligence not an indulgence."
Most Importantly: Plan your meals in advance so that you are leaving no space for unnecessary binging. Because if you " fail to plan you plan to fail".
Rashida Sidhpurwala
Lifestyle coach, Nutritionist and yoga teacher
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E-mail: feedback@earthspired.com
Call: +91 11 41734447
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