We make resolutions every year on January 1. But often, we fail to keep them, and follow up with them. It is because in many cases, the resolutions are not pragmatic. They are often too ambitious, or too unrealistic.

Health resolutions are harder, because of the many provocations with food. Food that we should eat, and food that we should not. Drinks and beverages: the same story. Especially during festive seasons, we get attracted to food and drinks that we know are not good for us; yet, they are too big of a temptation to avoid. We end up consuming too much fat, too much cholesterol, and too much alcohol and caffeine.

Is there a balance we can strike, and still not eat cardboard cereal, and drink tap water only?

How can we have fun, without having to compromise the pleasures of eating and drinking? And still be healthy?

I have some simple tips for you.

  1. Cinnamon Tea - Muktiskitchen.com

    Cinnamon Tea

    Instead of coffee, try tea. — Tea has much less caffeine, and has a low percentage (almost zero) of calories. Tea is fantastic at hydrating the body and replenishing your fluid intake. Tea is also a proven source of cancer-fighting chemicals (anti-oxidants in particular). Tea, unlike coffee, keeps you hydrated for a longer period of time. Especially, if you can make tea the Indian way using crushed ginger, cardamom, clove and cinnamon, it can boost your immune system, and protect your bones and teeth. It can help you shed weight, if you keep on drinking tea on a regular basis, without becoming an addict :-).

  2. Indian Spice Box - Muktiskitchen.com

    Indian Spice Box

    Cook food using spices. –We all know vegetables are good for us: the fiber is cancer-preventing, the vitamins are immunity-boosting, and they are high in potassium and folic acid, and low in calories and cholesterol. But the problem is, cauliflower, cabbage, turnip and such vegetables have no taste of their own, and therefore, we the grown-ups and our children do not want to eat them. What is the way out? Cook them with spices. Same with “bland” fish, such as halibut, salmon or tilapia. Use ginger. Use the Indian garam masala. Use the five-spice mix (Paanch Phoron). Use turmeric paste, cumin, coriander, and a fine dash of salt and sugar. No, a very small sprinkle of salt and sugar will not kill you. Use yogurt to prepare your fish dishes; a balanced mix of yogurt, turmeric paste and tomatoes will make your fish dish heavenly.

  3. Ghee - Clarified Butter - Muktiskitchen.com

    Ghee (Clarified Butter)

    Use Ghee, instead of oil, to boost your immune system.Ghee, if used in restraint can be very beneficial and would also add a lot of flavor to your cooking. Ghee has a high smoke point (250 °C, or 482 °F). You can cook and fry with ghee and it will not break down into free radicals like many other oils. Ghee does not spoil easily so does not need refrigeration. Some ghee mixtures last up to 100 years, and are proven sources of old coughs and colds. Ghee has a buttery taste without causing dairy allergies. Ghee (unlike other oils) is rich in butyric acid, a short chain fatty acid. Beneficial intestinal bacteria convert fiber into butyric acid and then use that for energy and intestinal wall support.

Book A Class