With February, the month of love, here, let’s rekindle our bond with food
DR. RAMA TALAK
Food is a constant companion, accompanying us from the very first sip of milk to the final moments of life. It holds the power to comfort, heal, and bring joy, regardless of the occasion. Just as relationships thrive on mutual respect and effort, so does our connection with food. Both love and food require balance, attention, and respect to flourish. Just as a healthy relationship thrives on understanding and care, a healthy diet thrives on mindful choices. A healthy diet doesn’t mean restricting favourite dishes but creating a plate that reflects variety and moderation. It is more like a partnership where every component plays a crucial role:
• Carbohydrates are the energy givers, much like the warmth in a loving relationship.
• Proteins are the protectors, helping us build and repair, like how trust fortifies bonds.
• Fats provide richness and flavour, akin to the joy and excitement love brings.
• Vegetables and fruits add colour and vibrancy, reminding us of the spontaneity and variety that keep relationships fresh.
Mindful eating encourages us to let go of guilt and embrace food as a source of joy. It’s also about creating moments of love and gratitude. Craving a piece of chocolate cake? Savour it without overindulgence. This balance reflects how love is about cherishing moments without letting insecurities cloud our experiences.
Mindful traditional Indian practices like sitting cross-legged for meals and eating with hands naturally align with this philosophy. These practices engage all the senses, turning a simple dal-chawal meal into a profound experience. Mindful eating invites us to immerse ourselves fully in the experience, savouring every flavour and texture, and connecting deeply with both food and the people we share it with. Imagine the aroma of freshly tempered spices wafting from a hot bowl of rassam or the feel of a soft, warm roti as you tear it apart. Moments like these ground us, transforming food from mere sustenance into an expression of love
Cooking together as a couple or family can deepen bonds and build trust. The kitchen becomes a space for creativity, collaboration, and laughter. Trying healthier twists on classic recipes—like baking samosas instead of frying them or crafting millet dosas—can add an element of fun and experimentation. The process of creating something together strengthens relationships and transforms the meal into a shared accomplishment.
This Valentine’s Day, a bowl of hearty millet khichdi or a comforting plate of rajma chawal cooked with minimal oil can be a delicious and healthful gift. Let’s honour our relationship with food by practicing mindfulness. Begin by sitting down for a meal without distractions, appreciating every bite, and expressing gratitude for the nourishment it provides. As we rekindle our love for food, we also nurture a deeper connection with ourselves
Ultimately, food is a language of love that transcends words. It’s in the time spent chopping vegetables, the care taken to season a dish just right, and the joy of sitting down to share a meal with someone special. By approaching food with mindfulness, we not only nourish our bodies but also nurture our connections with others. This February let’s celebrate love by transforming everyday meals into acts of care and gratitude.
Because in the end, food is more than just fuel – it’s an expression of love, care, and life itself. And what better way to celebrate this eternal bond than this month of love?
(The writer is a dietician based in Margao)
