Eating the same, differently

HIGHLIGHTS

• Indians must have their staples-starch, protein, greens, with every meal.
• The food that gives you nutrients that circulate in your blood stream is related to body imbalance which is directly related to weight, hair, skin, nails and cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Eating the same, differently (Getty Images)

Indians must have their staples-starch, protein, greens, with every meal. Substitute these ingredients and a full belly won't mean a big one.

Tired of failing to keep up with the many diets that promise a toned bod but ban you from bingeing on your favourite eats? Surviving on salads and soups can be gruelling, especially for those accustomed to an Indian diet -don't we want every meal to be satisfying, filling and tasty? So we get macrobiotic nutritionist Shonali Sabherwal 

to share a few simple tweaks in stocking our kitchen shelves, that will let you have your khana and keep the weight off too. "India is a roti-dal-sabzi eating nation. There are staples in the Indian diet which can be substituted and while it's not easy to tell people to change their eating preferences, it's easier to get them to change the ingredients," says Sabherwal, who feels that substitutions have to become a way of life if one wants to stay healthy. "If you want a good blood condition and build good immunity, these substitutions are crucial.When cellular damage is caused, auto-immune and lifestyle diseases are triggered. This is why it's important to substitute your staples with healthier alternatives," she adds.

The food that gives you nutrients that circulate in your blood stream is related to body imbalance which is directly related to weight, hair, skin, nails and cholesterol and blood sugar levels. "It has a great impact as it is something you consume on a daily basis. About 40-50 per cent of what you eat has salt, sugar, oil or milk in it.

"Sabherwal shares substitutions and how they could impact one's health and wellness

Sea salt, not iodised
Regular salt has excessive amounts of sodium. While we do need sodium for our cells, when in excess, it can lead to high blood pressure, water retention, weight gain. Table salt or the common salt we use contains high levels of chemicals, 99.5 per cent of sodium chloride and dextrose (sugar). It has been stripped off from all its mineral content and is of no nutritional value; predisposing you to a stroke or hyper-tension. Rock or sea salts have a mineral quotient (as its not been stripped) and are also alkaline in nature and help in neutralising the effects of acid-forming foods.It will strengthen digestion and help with bowel movements, while bad quality table salt will do the opposite. To keep cravings down and maintain your weight, switch to rock or sea salt.

Source : TOI