Do not misunderstand the title. This is not about a new kitchen in a house worth crores of rupees, or about a kitchen designed in some fashionable new style. Rather, it is about a kitchen that can improve our lives and health by following certain essential practices that every kitchen should observe.
A kitchen is the focal point of a home. When the kitchen is well managed, the family thrives and so do its members. What should we do to achieve this? Let us look at a few ways to create an environment that promotes health, happiness and peace throughout the family. Even small changes in the kitchen can bring about significant improvements in family life.
Control Sugar
Sugar is one of the most heavily consumed ingredients in some kitchens. I have seen family heads buying sugar for their households in quantities of several kilograms. There are also homemakers who add generous amounts of sweetness, almost as though pouring honey, to tea, coffee and practically everything that requires a sweetener.
I have even seen sugar left undissolved at the bottom of cups after people have finished drinking tea or coffee in certain homes.
It is essential to control excessive sugar consumption. We take in considerable amounts of sugar every day through tea, coffee, sweets and packaged foods. We do not need to add extra sugar on top of all this.
Whenever we crave something sweet, choosing fruit is a good habit. Fruits provide not only natural sugars but also fibre and vitamins. Many people recommend honey and jaggery as alternatives to sugar. However, these too should be consumed only in moderation.
Control Oil Consumption
Using more oil in the name of choosing a healthy oil is not beneficial to our health. The type of oil we use is important, but so is the quantity.
Limit the amount of oil used in cooking. Instead of deep-frying food, try other methods such as boiling, steaming and grilling.
Control Snacks
In many households, having snacks with the four o’clock tea is almost compulsory. However, these snacks, too, need to be kept under control.
Packaged foods such as chips, biscuits and instant noodles often contain high amounts of salt, sugar and fat. Therefore, whether you are having your evening tea or feeling hungry at some other time, choose nuts, fruit or boiled chickpeas instead of biscuits and chips. Just remember to watch the portion size, as nuts can be high in calories.
Control Salt
Many households have the habit of adding extra salt to make food tastier. Instead, enhance flavour by using spices and herbs such as pepper, ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander and curry leaves. Be mindful of the salt content in packaged sauces, pickles and instant foods as well.
Limit White Rice and Maida
Include whole grains such as brown rice, oats, whole wheat and millets in your diet instead of relying heavily on highly refined grains. These foods contain more fibre, which also helps with digestion.
A healthier kitchen leads to a healthier home, better relationships and consequently, better health.
A good kitchen does not mean a luxurious kitchen or one where expensive foods are prepared. Rather, it is a kitchen that gives priority to the health of family members by reducing harmful ingredients and increasing beneficial ones.
Is yours a healthy kitchen?
