Healthy eating is one of the most powerful tools to reduce the onset of disease. And what’s more – eating healthy can be delicious and enjoyable by accommodating personal taste preferences, cultural food traditions and budget restrictions! Small changes like adding new vegetables to traditional dishes, and cooking meals at home adds healthfulness along with deliciousness to the food we eat.Being a native of southern India, I enjoy home-cooked vegetarian meals using a lot of Indian spice mixes with my family. Traditional meals include rice served with stews and sautés made from lentils, beans, peas and vegetables. On weekends, I make the more elaborate southern Indian breakfasts like crepes and steamed cakes made from a batter of fermented rice and lentils, and dips made with coconut, lentils and vegetables.I try to incorporate whole grains, local and seasonal vegetables and fruits into our meals to get the most nourishment (as seasonal and local produce are at their peak freshness and nutrient levels). Involving my kids in the process, like buying vegetables together at the Farmers’ Market, and washing, prepping and setting the table for mealtimes, helps them learn about the food they eat and gives them a sense of accomplishment. This in turn teaches healthy eating patterns which may continue in adulthood.I also enjoy experimenting with cuisines from different parts of the world which opens doors to a wider variety of delicious and nourishing foods. Many grocery stores sell herbs, spices and spice mixes used in different cuisines at pocket-friendly prices. Hope you take time to enjoy food traditions and find creative, healthful and nutritious ways to add flavor to food, starting this month!Resources:www.myplate.orghttp://health.gov/news/dietary-guidelines-digital-press-kit/2016/01/top-10-things-you-need-to-know/
