Swarna Vantakalu: Tweak menu to lead a healthy life

Visakhapatnam: What are the steps to be followed to make fibre-rich sprouted green gram at home? What is the recommended quantity of carbohydrates that one can consume? How to make simple portions of healthy meals with simple ingredients available at our kitchen shelves? How many calories are required to consume a day?

These and many more doubts were clarified at the 'Swarna Vantakalu' featured in the city by a major jewellery chain engaging a team of chefs from Chennai on Friday. At Maharashtra Mandali, corporate executive chef Seetharam Prasad and chefs Ganesh and Janarthanam took turns to whip up 'kothemeer wadi,' Fusilli pasta topped with curried mayo dressing, tender coconut pudding, fajitas and 'kaffir lime paneer satay', among other dishes at the live counter arranged at the venue.

With India featured among the top 10 countries for people with diabetes, Seetharam Prasad suggests limiting rice intake and increase steamed vegetable consumption as an alternative. "We can lead a healthy life by tweaking our daily menu a bit and sticking to a healthy diet with mild alterations," he emphasises.

Unlike earlier days where rice-dal batter was readied in a stone grinder, Seetharam Prasad blamed sedentary lifestyle and indulging in unhealthy diet as main reasons for the rise in diabetes that affects millions in the country.

The chefs offered tips to maintain a healthy diet and exhorted parents to promote the same among the younger generation, leading by example. Explaining the objective of event, G Balaji of GRT Jewellers said, "Cooking is an art. Through 'swarna vantakalu,' we want to encourage people to invest in quality time to dish out healthy food and lead a disease-free life."

Those who attended the session found the platform useful to learn new recipes. "This way, we can keep ourselves updated and also improve our culinary skills," adds V Suguna, a homemaker.