A latest survey on eating habits of cities reveals that we love paranthas, chhole bhature and aloo puri as the first meal of the day. Karan Bhardwaj looks at this desi phenomenon
We might look out for health guides wherever we go, participate in discussions on healthy eating habits and order green tea when out with friends, one thing that most of us can’t do away with is fried food, especially on our breakfast list. On most of the days when we are in a happy state of mind, we think of beginning the day with a hearty meal. And our hearty meal isn’t about sausages, sprouts and omlettes, it includes paneer or gobhi ke paranthe, aaloo puri or chhole bhature and not to forget extra sweet chai and pakodas. A breakfast survey conducted by IPSOS in major cities of India has interesting revelations. As per the findings, an alarming 100 per cent of respondents in Delhi and Chandigarh, and 91 per cent in Jaipur prefer fried food like paranthas and aaloo puri over other healthier options.
There is no denial to the fact that there is an awareness on healthy breakfast habits but seems like we are not willing enough to sacrifice our love for traditional breakfast that our moms and grandmoms served us in childhood. They made us believe that desi ghee ke paranthe are important to make the mind sharp and seems we are following their suggestion seriously.
Culture comfort
One of the prime reasons of being a heavy breakfast-savvy could be our cultural comfort. Traditionally, we are accustomed to desi ghee, stuffed paranthas and chilly vegetables. “Elders pamper small children. And the best way to do so is through food. We all know what they have always preferred traditional food items. So, what we are given as a child, we pass it on to the next generation. Earlier in our days, there used to be consumption of 10 kgs of ghee in a small family,” said Manoj Rawat, executive sous chef of Eros Hotel managed by Hilton. The hotel serves variety of “fulfilling” stuff in breakfast menu but “maintains” calories with the right use of ingredients. “Frying is always full of calories. So we use rice oil, which is getting quite popular. It has less-calories than other oils. We also avoid complex spices. Use of carom and asafoetida helps in digestion,” he added.
Also, there is a huge gap between our dinner and the morning meal. So when you break the “fast”, one tends to have a hearty meal. Points out well-known nutritionist Ishi Khosla, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it refuels the body after hours of fasting and provides energy for the day ahead. Several studies confirm breakfast improves attention levels and mental performance, leading to a better work attitude, concentration levels and productivity. However, just eating breakfast daily is not enough — one must make sure it is nutritious and as per one’s individual dietary needs and lifestyle.”
Old habits die hard
When one indulges in a particular type of food for long, the appetite increases and unknowingly, one gets addicted to it. There is a resistance to natural food. That’s when one’s “brain goes into the belly”. “People know smoking is bad for health, still they do it. It’s a vicious circle. Fried stuff looks tempting, so when you have it once, you want it more. There are also times when people don’t want healthy food,” said Khosla. She is right because such food is mostly preferred on holidays or weekends. One tends to overeat or choose “heavenly” cuisine that satisfies the belly over health. “That’s the prime reason why you feel sluggish and tired after a brief holiday. I think one should always maintain balance,” said Khosla. Actor Hema Malini, who experiments with her platter often on Sundays, agrees. “I don’t mind changing platter at the end of the week but then I make sure I work out accordingly. I don’t let those extra calories to rest in my body,” she said. For 29-year-old Reena Bhatia, breakfast matters a lot. She spends considerable time on her morning meal, which comprises fruits, followed by tea with omelette or chhola bhatura, chilled muesli or porridge. “I take lavish breakfast since I am mostly out throughout the day. This is what keeps me going,” she said.
Word of caution
Khosla recommends smart breakfasts along with regular intake of nuts to make you healthier, energetic. “A large or heavy breakfast can lead to a slump in energy levels and be counter-productive. This is true when physical activity is limited after breakfast. One should avoid high fat and high glycemic foods for breakfast, and instead start the day with a smart and nutritious breakfast that boosts your intake of important nutrients — complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals (especially calcium) and fiber. limit the intake of fried and calorie dense foods, these are best only had occasionally,” she suggested.