The Other Day…that was not Just Another Day

...so what happened the other day?

The other day, I overheard my brother talk my parents about his medical reports and his high cholesterol levels. I was obviously shocked: to learn about his health conditions at such a young age and more from the realization that I too, must have a genetic tendency towards high cholesterol and other undesirable health conditions given my parents’ medical history. You know, khoon ka rishta (blood ties) and all? It struck me that at that very moment I was carrying the genes (the monstrous little things that I can’t even see) which could manifest into high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Yes, these three devils are a trio that comes together, much as in ‘Ek par Do—Muft! Muft! Muft!’ (Buy One, Get Two Free)

But even amidst my shock and despair I thought, wait—there has got to be some way to ensure that these monsters don’t take complete charge of my mortal being? I am sure if I make some ‘choices’ different from what I have been making until now, I will be able to prevent the danger or at least stall it for a few more years. So what could I do differently now? I believe I could eat a right diet, lead a correct lifestyle and of course, sweat it out with some (dreaded?) exercise to burn those extra calories away. However if you ask me, of all the above I find ‘eating right’ the best option for me as I love food! Ironical, isn’t it? If I enjoy eating so much, logic says that I should find eating ‘right’ the most difficult of these choices for better living. But as much as I relish food, I hate exercise! (common story, right?) So I choose the lesser evil of the two. I can bring myself to eat healthy than to run (yawn) a few kilometers every morning!

And it is also another matter I thoroughly enjoy cooking some yummy food for everyone (of course for myself too :P). For me, cooking for someone is a favorite way of expressing my love and extending a hand of friendship—something like the Stone Soup Story. Of all the things one can do, cooking to say ‘I love you’??!! But I think it comes to me naturally that I want to feed everyone around me, even if at times I may have only so much to feed myself. Besides, cooking helps me—almost like any other therapeutic activity—to not only satisfy my hunger but also to lift my spirits and help me cope with my moody days (oh sure as hell I can be moody). So call me a Big Mommy who cooks keep everyone happy, or just a Crabby Chef trying to fix my temper around the kitchen, I love cooking—that’s it!

Anyways, as you have already heard enough I zeroed in on ‘eating right’ as my first step towards healthy living and geared up (read: grabbed my apron and cooking spoon), taking it upon myself to cook some healthy and delicious (yes, healthy CAN be delicious too, don't be so surprised it’s not a miracle, really!) meals for our family at least until we are all together here at my brother’s place. That very day, I set an aim to conjure up at least one healthy side dish or appetizer with each meal (jeez, ‘each meal’?? whatever was I thinking when I resolved to do that—this is already seeming a humongous task).

In my last post, I know I promised to share a few recipes that I try out with you all. But before I start, let me warn you though: these days I mostly love trying out new salads and soups with different flavors so don’t be surprised if I start advocating a healthy diet or campaigning (rather shouting aloud) slogans like “Eat Raw Food” or “A Soup a Day keeps the Doctor Away.” And I bet I won’t have a very subtle way to do so, since I have a not-so-subtle personality. Blame this obsession with health foods on my taste buds (yes, I actually ‘love’ eating raw stuff) or for that matter, my training in Yoga (oh didn’t you know? I am a trained Yoga teacher—although I hate to exercise myself!). But one thing is sure; I have come to realize and profess the benefits of healthy cooking and healthy eating to one and all. My family and friends will vouch for that, I am sure! They are sometimes so tired of my constant rant about ‘healthy, healthy, healthy’ that I secretly doubt my folks will throw me out or bar me from entering the kitchen someday!

But dear readers, don’t you worry. At heart I am a foodie and love the sinful stuff too (ever ready to bring on the chocolate and the yummy cakes)! So in addition to enlisting the numerous benefits of gulping down a bowl of Carrot and Red Pepper Soup, I will also share some of my experiences while baking the World’s Best Ever Heart Healthiest Chocolate Chip Cookies (which I have almost perfected now). Oooh, talking of that sugary stuff reminds me that I cannot wait to sink my teeth in the Mango Crumble Pie that is lying in my freezer at the moment!(drools) See? There is some good stuff that’s definitely coming your way...and you thought I am only about to write a boring health blog..tsk tsk..

Nonetheless, in my next post I will make an auspicious start to my Healthy Food series, and spice it up with some not-so-healthy recipes in the coming days. So catch your breath (or rather, whip up your appetite) and I bet I won’t disappoint you!