Archana Puran Singh reveals breakfast when she was a kid: ‘Uss waqt…healthy, unhealthy ka concept nahi tha’

Reflecting on her statement, consultant dietitian and diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra said it offers a vivid snapshot of how much food culture and health awareness have changed in India.

In her childhood, food was about kinship, flavour, and comfort; bakery treats symbolised family rituals and were celebrated for their sheer enjoyment, with little thought given to their nutritional value or long-term health effects, she continued.

Today, however, the landscape is very different. Modern lifestyles, marked by growing urbanisation, increased reliance on processed foods, and pervasive physical inactivity, have dramatically raised the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease,” said Malhotra.

Do you like to start your day with bakery items? (Photo: Freepik)

Factors such as adulteration of foods, where toxic chemicals, artificial colours, and harmful additives still find their way into everything from sweets to staples, have compounded these risks, damaging immunity and disrupting metabolic health over time, remarked Malhotra. “Moreover, the shift to sedentary jobs and screen-centric recreation means people burn fewer calories and compromise insulin sensitivity, amplifying the ill effects of sugary, carb-heavy breakfasts that were once innocent pleasures,” contended Malhotra.

Archana’s memories help illuminate how every generation’s approach to food is shaped by the problems and priorities of its time: where carefree bakery mornings once brought joy and connection, today’s breakfast table comes with conscious choices, safety checks, and the pursuit of lifelong health.

“Families can still enjoy occasional sweets and pastries—if done mindfully and with quality and movement in mind—blending tradition with scientific wisdom to create new routines that nourish both body and heart,” shared Malhotra.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.