You are What you Eat

Mantra 3 : Eat Wisely

Food is essential. Yes my friends, you read that right. We need to eat – but eat a healthy diet, that provides us with the vitamins, minerals and proteins that are essential for our physical health, energy and mental well being. Our body needs different foods for the various nutrients. I don’t deny myself any food, as long as it is had in moderation, including carbohydrates and fats. Yes, I eat bread and cheese everyday !

I don’t believe in diets. If we stop eating fats, our bodies start storing the fat , as the brain is advising the body that it needs the fats. Haven’t you seen people who diet constantly, but don’t seem to lose any weight.

And remember, food not only affects your physically, but it also has a big emotional impact on our mental well being. Good food, your soul food , can make you happy, de- stress, unwind, relax. Remember Mantra 1 – a positive mind !

So, What do I mean by a healthy diet?

A healthy diet is not only a combination of fruits, vegetables, nuts, egss etc. More importantly it’s when you eat and the quantity you consume.

I was vegetarian for 15 years. I love all vegetables and fruits. And could eat 3 bowls of pulses and curd with every meal. Cheese and Bread has always been my soul food. And without fail it uplifts my mood. Paired with a glass of red wine and it’s my perfect meal.

I became a Pescatarian after 15 years of vegetarian food. I broke that fast in Trishna, an iconic sea food restaurant in Mumbai , when I ate ‘ koliwada prawns’. I was Pescatarian for 13 years and ate sea food – fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters.

And 4 years back I re – discovered all the other meats.

While I eat everything now and don’t deny myself what I enjoy eating, I am very disciplined in terms of ‘when’ and ‘ how much’ I eat. What do I mean by that .

I start my day at 6 am with a glass of water with half a lemon squeezed into it. Then it’s time for toast and honey and a hot cup of Indian Masala Chai with a pinch of turmeric ( without sugar – cannot have sugar in my tea or coffee). This is my wake up food !

After reading the newspapers, just before hitting the treadmill, I drink a glass of wheatgrass juice. I started drinking this over 10 years back. It’s got multiple properties including strong anti carcinogenic benefits.

After my work out I drink a glass of mixed vegetable juice and have a bowl of granola and muesli with almonds and walnuts and chia seeds and flax seeds, and sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds , with honey and hot milk. This is not only wholesome and extremely nutritious, it also keeps me feeling full till lunchtime.

All this is done by 8:30 am.

Around 10:30 am I have 2 fruits – any seasonal fruits.

Between 12pm and 12:30pm is lunch time. I am not fussed about what I eat. I also go out a lot for lunch meetings and eat any cuisine.

During the day I drink 2-3 cups of green tea.

I think what is important is my dinner time. I eat by 7:30pm. Unless I have to go out for dinner, this time is inflexible. I drink a glass of red wine and have cheese with my dinner.  My dinner is any 2 vegetables and curd. Sometimes I have fish. I avoid carbohydrates at night. I strongly believe one should eat dinner at least 2-3 hours before one’s bedtime.

Post dinner I have green tea. And just before sleeping I drink a glass of  water.

Next blog we will talk about ” super foods”. Stay tuned !