There has long been a tug-of-war between Indian and Western breakfast options when it comes to nutritional value. Western options are frequently perceived as healthier While Indian breakfasts are often considered more wholesome and fulfilling.
In this edition of ‘Indian Food Decoded’, HT Lifestyle spoke to Lakshmi Kale, head nutritionist at Nutrition In Sync, to break down the nutritional differences between the two and understand which breakfast options may be better for you. A bowl of Greek yoghurt , overnight oats, avocado toast, granola, and sourdough sounds healthy, and suddenly, our poha, idli, dosa, upma and paratha started looking unhealthy. These foods were not designed in a wellness lab. They evolved from what was locally available, affordable and culturally familiar. You can upgrade the food you already eat. And if you love avocado toast or overnight oats, eat them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that either.
“Somewhere along the way, we started believing that healthy food has to look Western,” highlighted Lakshmi Kale. “But let’s not blindly glorify Indian food either,” added Lakshmi Kale. Add vegetables and peanuts to your poha, have sambar with your idli or dosa, make your chilla with more dal and add paneer or curd, pair your paratha with eggs, curd or another protein source, according to Lakshmi Kale.
Healthy eating doesn’t have a nationality. Because someone on Instagram told you that their food is healthier, take another look at your own kitchen, before you replace your entire breakfast.
“Maybe you don’t need to leave your food culture behind; maybe you just need to understand it better,” concluded Lakshmi Kale.
