The Obesity Crisis in India: A Call to Ancient Practices

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Obesity Crisis in India

According to a recent Lancet study, 70% of India’s urban population is obese or overweight, putting the nation in the midst of an obesity crisis. Due to the influence of yoga and Ayurveda, Indian civilization has always led a healthy lifestyle and has never suffered from chronic illnesses. According to our tradition, food is medicine (Ahaar hi Aushadhi hain). We used to pray before eating because we knew that each consumed bite would be digested to form ATP, the cell’s energy currency and the basic unit of life.

What have we done today? We replaced our traditional cooking practices with packed salads, smoothies, and munching bars. Ask yourself if food that has inorganic preservatives, is packed in sealed nitrogen gas, shipped, and then sold to you is better or worse than the hot-piping food served directly from your kitchen. 

Food delivery apps, which deliver restaurant food right to your doorstep, have replaced the traditional practice of going out to eat at local restaurants as an occasional celebration. Quick delivery mobile apps have now replaced basic walking and grocery shopping. OTT and binge watching have replaced the traditional dinner table conversation with mindless eating.

Today, we’re spending more and causing more harm to ourselves.

This drastic cultural shift is also a significant contributing factor to the root cause of chronic inflammatory disorders.

Our chat on the mat with Rita Date, author of Fighting Cancer with the Thali, will help you understand the problem areas and how consciously making the right choice can empower us to have a healthy mind and body.

About Rita Date

Rita Date is a nutritionist and inspiring yoga mom who moved to India from the United States of America 30 years ago. It was yoga practice that helped her cope with the transition of moving to another country, which was more difficult in the 1990s with no internet for communication. She has volunteered at a cancer center, provided nutrition consultations, and authored books such as “What’s for Lunch” and “Fighting Cancer with the Thali” to recommend Indian dietary food habits.

hellomyyoga: Why have you given so much importance to Indian thali? Furthermore, how does it relate to chronic illnesses of any kind, including cancer? Is it not simpler to discuss superfoods?

Rita Date: How you nurture your body has a direct link to your health. The traditional thali contains a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals to supply the energy required to live a healthy life. Our ancestors knew what their bodies needed and tweaked the thali accordingly.

There are no superfoods. Your diet should be largely plant-based. The thali should be 50% vegetables – mostly cooked and some raw. Eat a rainbow, all colours, and green leafy veggies at least 4 times a week.

hellomyyoga: What’s the most important food on the thali? 

Rita Date: Each item on the thali has a role – for example, rice and rotis give you energy, dal gives you protein and curds gives you calcium and probiotics. But I would say that vegetables are by far the most important component of the thali because of all the vitamins, minerals, and fibre they contain.

hellomyyoga: How did you choose the recipes from each state that you share in your book, Fighting Cancer with the Thali?

Rita Date: My co-author and I researched the food habits of each state. For some states, we found local cookbooks for research and we also spoke to people from various states. As nutritionist, we understand the food value of each dish. We also made sure that the dish was somewhat popular in the region and not too laborious to make.

hellomyyoga: In the book, you have emphasized protein. How can vegetarians consume adequate protein?

Rita Date: Vegetarians need to be vigilant about their protein intake. Also, many who classify themselves as non-vegetarians eat meat occasionally or a few meals a week need to ensure they are getting protein in each meal. Add nuts, seeds and dals to your meals, use paneer, tofu and soy, and use high protein grains such as rajgira in your diet.

hellomyyoga: As a nutritionist, what are the most typical dietary issues that office workers deal with? What would be the best solution, as suggested by you?

Rita Date: Office workers have long days and long commute times which add to stress levels. Homemade dabbas are crucial. Eating out even a few times a week can add up the calories and harmful fat. A chota dabba as I have written about is also very important. Many times hunger pangs happen around afternoon tea time so having a nutritious low calorie snack handy is necessary. Exercising, meditating, moving through the day in small bursts, and eating nutritious homemade meals are the best solutions. 

hellomyyoga: Since you have mentioned the framework of mind, nutrition, and movement, can you share with us movements in which parents and children can participate together? 

Rita Date: When the kids are young going on walks is a wonderful way to incorporate movement as well as bonding with your kids. You can move up to small treks as they get older. You can also try playing a sport such as badminton or tennis. Try and incorporate movement-based activities every weekend. After dinner go for a short 15 walk with the family.

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