‘A tragic turn that our society is taking’: Kangana Ranaut slams India’s food delivery and ordering-in culture

 

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Ranaut also said, “We believe, ‘now that we are working women’… every generation thinks this way, but that is not the case. There have been women before us who were much smarter—making pickles and preserving them. In Rajasthan, people have learned to cook food without using water. We cannot afford to lose this knowledge in just one generation. Ab main koshish karti hoon main ghee banana seekhu, makhan banana seekhu. Khair, one life (Now I am trying to learn how to make ghee and butter. Alas, we have only one life.)”

Deepalakshmi, a registered dietitian at Shree Balaji Medical Centre in Chennai, told indianexpress.com that frequent consumption of restaurant or takeaway food can have serious consequences for overall health and well-being due to its high calorie density, excessive sodium content, unhealthy fats, and lower nutritional value.

“Many commercially prepared meals prioritise taste and convenience over nutrition, often incorporating refined ingredients, artificial flavour enhancers, preservatives, and unhealthy cooking methods. This can increase the risk of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and digestive issues,” said Deepalakshmi.

She also pointed out that restaurant portions are typically larger than recommended serving sizes, leading to habitual overeating and a distorted perception of appropriate portion control. This, in turn, contributes to weight gain and metabolic imbalances.

 

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In contrast, home-cooked meals provide numerous health benefits by allowing individuals to control ingredient quality, cooking techniques, and portion sizes. “Preparing meals at home ensures a well-balanced intake of essential nutrients, including fibre, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It also encourages the use of fresh, whole ingredients and healthier cooking methods such as steaming, baking, grilling, or sautéing with minimal oil, which helps preserve the nutritional value of food,” said Deepalakshmi.

According to her, those who cook at home are more likely to practise mindful eating, make healthier food choices, and develop a stronger awareness of their dietary habits, which can have lasting positive effects on their long-term health.

While ordering food from restaurants or delivery services may be convenient, it should ideally be limited to occasional indulgences rather than becoming a regular habit. Deepalakshmi emphasised that moderation is key, and people should strive to consume home-cooked meals most of the time, reserving takeaways for special occasions or times when cooking at home is not feasible.