Fab diet

Aarati Pillai,a clinical nutritionist says,”As ironic as it may sound dieticians do end up prescribing expensive food items and supplements. And people assume that since the person is giving out these expensive items on a diet chart it must be good. What is more important is the fact that these food items are expensive and are not affordable by common people. In lieu of them local produce,which included seasonal fruits and vegetables are just as effective in providing all the nutrients if not better.”

“Some of the exotic vegetables that are usually on a diet chart include broccolis,celery,kale,zucchini,exotic peppers and red cabbages. These items are usually not available at the local food vendors,they are usually found in the shopping malls. Even there they are pretty expensive and a person might have to think twice before buying them just to follow a diet. In order to avoid this people can go in for vegetables like spinach,methi,white cabbages,cauliflowers beans. Now,during summers it will be a good idea to eat vegetables which are high in water content,like cucumbers,tomatoes,white gourds and pumpkins.”

In addition to a fad diet,people also make it a point to use supplements like fat burners and whey proteins,which are usually not recommended to everyone,S Rakesh,a gym instructor at a popular city gym says,” These supplements like whey protein powders and fat burners are usually only recommended for someone who does a lot of heavy weight training or is severely malnourished. Normal people who are looking to stay healthy can just follow a diet,which is rich in fibres and vitamins and minerals. In order to get the required proteins one can opt for lean meats and dairy products.”

Also on the list are fruits like avocados,kiwi fruit,grapefruit,tangerines bitter melons and blueberries,which are not available easily. They can be substituted with local fruits available in the season,citric fruits,grapes and cherries that are just good enough to provide the various micronutrients,trace elements that are needed. In addition to this the best way to eat vegetables is by either steaming or grilling. Expensive fishes like salmon,mackerel,cod,and tuna can be substituted by local fishes. These fishes are usually recommended only because they have omega 3 fats,which can also be gotten from flak seeds – an inexpensive proposition,” adds Foram Tapkhirwala another clinical nutritionist.

In house treasure
* Vegetables like broccolis,celery,kale,zucchini,and exotic peppers can be substituted by leafy vegetables,French beans,and cauliflowers
* Fruits like avocados,kiwi fruit,grapefruit,tangerines bitter melons and blueberries can be substituted by seasonal fruits,grapes and citric fruits
* Fishes like mackerel,cod,tuna,salmon can be substituted by flak seeds,local fishes,and white meat
* Nutrient supplements,whey proteins,fat burners can be substituted with steamed and grilled foods,fruits,sprouts lean meats,dairy products