Mindful eating choices: Switching to healthy living during lockdown
The COVID-19 pandemic has sent shockwaves across the world due to the devastating impact that it has caused in such a short time. As the medical community races on to put an end to the terrible onslaught, people at best can practice social distancing and stay at home to prevent the viral dissemination. With the WFH policies having been initiated across the corporate world, this is also an opportunity for people to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
It is important to adopt a diet that covers the basic nutritional needs of the body. India is blessed with a plethora of diverse seasonal produce that is unlike any other in the world. The idea is to eat as prescribed by your old and knowledgeable grandmother. To trust her wisdom will allow you to extract the maximum benefit of mindful eating as advised in the ancient Indian sciences.
This involves eating a lot of green vegetables, fresh fruits, milk products, lentils, and a whole lot of fresh spices and aromatics. While eating localized and seasonal produce is important, so is eating according to the capacity of the gut. Overeating is only bad for digestion but can also lead to several disorders.
This practice of focused and mindful eating is all the more pertinent in the case of young urban professionals. The long working hours and disruption in the sleeping and consumption cycles are a result of being confined inside their houses all day long. While the nationwide lockdown is absolutely necessary, corporate personnel who work without a pause are at the risk of falling into a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle.
Also as working professionals, time is a luxury that most of us do not have. Therefore, it is better to substitute daily eatables with healthier alternatives to stay fit.
· Opt for Muesli and assorted cereals instead of oily parathas for breakfast. Muesli is a rich source of fiber made with an assortment of oats, dried fruit, wheat flakes, and nuts. Oats carry important nutrients that help in reducing cholesterol levels, weight loss, diminishes symptoms of constipation, controls blood pressure and strengthens the immune system.
· Switch to Green Tea instead of regular tea/coffee. Green tea contains healthy bioactive compounds that reduce the formation of free radicals and protects cells from damage. It also may improve brain function due to the presence of brain boosting compounds such as caffeine and L-theanine. It is also a good alternative for stress busting as it provides energy and enhances productivity.
· Replace regular refined oil with Olive oil. It is purported to have numerous health advantages over regular cooking oil. Therefore, it’s recommended for consumption over other oils. Firstly, Olive oil is a rich source of healthy mono-saturated fats that reduce inflammation, while also decreasing the chances of cancer. It also contains a large amount of essential anti-oxidants. The oil is enriched with strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps fight against diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and obesity. It also helps prevent strokes by regulating the flow of blood to the brain and averts heart diseases by helping reduce blood pressure.
· Stevia over refined sugar. As sugar is a major health deterrent, adopt natural sugar sources such as Stevia or xylitol to cut down its negative side. Stevia is known to help regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, apart from reducing high blood pressure. Moreover, stevia and xylitol are sweeteners that are good for our teeth as they help fight cavities and strengthen our bones.
· Avoid fried and oily snacks and choose baked snacks. Baked snacks such as cookies, vegetable chips or pita chips, etc. are not only more fulfilling but also a healthy alternative for store-brought oily snacks. They help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, which are both accelerated by fried foods. Baked foods help prevent damage to kidney and liver which otherwise get clogged with the excess oil in fatty foods. Moreover, baking is also a therapeutic endeavor that helps you relax and extends essential peace of mind. So, start Baking your own bread and eat it too, while at home!
This is a perilous time indeed as the world is under attack from an unknown virus about which very little is known. But life will not cease, pandemic or no pandemic. Therefore, until a veritable vaccine or a cure is found, it is best for people to follow a healthy immune-boosting lifestyle that involves balanced eating, proper exercise and a sound sleep.
