There is no dearth of lovers of eating frozen vegetables as well as junk and processed food. Some people eat these things in their daily routine. But are they really good for health? Come, let us know the answers to some questions from experts.
• I am a working woman. For some time now, I have started using frozen vegetables in cooking. Are they harmful from health point of view? What things should be kept in mind while using frozen vegetables and other ingredients?
-Aarohi Srivastava, Ranchi
There is no harm in consuming frozen food and vegetables because the amount of nutrients in them is the same as that of fresh fruits and vegetables. Generally, they are frozen when they are well ripe and contain plenty of nutrients. If it is said that in terms of nutrients, frozen foods are equal to fresh fruits and vegetables, then it would not be wrong. But, before purchasing frozen food, it is important to read the nutritional and ingredient information written on it carefully. Also keep in mind that their quality may decrease over time, so always make purchases only after checking the date on the packaging. The newer the packaging, the greater the amount of nutrients in the fruits and vegetables. Always follow the storage and cooking instructions written on the packet.
• I am addicted to eating junk and processed food. I want to get rid of this and switch to a healthy diet, but I don’t know how to start. help please.
-Priyanka Dewan, Lucknow
The more junk and processed foods you eat, the more addicted you will become to them. The first step towards getting rid of this addiction is to accept the problem. Now the question comes that how to get rid of this addiction? First of all, decide that you will not consume junk food more than twice in a month. Do not think about this rule in your mind, rather write it down on paper and stick it in different parts of the house. This will help you stick to the rules you have made. If you’re having trouble eliminating junk food from your life at once, start by reducing its quantity. For example, if you feel like eating pizza, order vegetable pizza with salad instead of french fries. Don’t order cold drinks, no matter how tempting the offer is. Do not eat more than two slices of pizza. Understand the concept of super sizing and stay away from it. To eat less quantity of outside food, you will need to spend more. This is a marketing tactic to force customers to buy more. But, shopping more for less money will not benefit you in terms of health. With this you will only consume more fat, cholesterol and sugar. Apart from all this, also pay attention to your diet. Many times, lack of nutrients in regular diet pushes us towards junk food. Therefore, pay attention to consuming a plate rich in nutrients regularly.
• My baby is about to turn 6 months old. What should I include in his solid diet now?
– Kavita Gupta, Meerut
At the age of six months, you can give ground and cooked grains to your baby. Ripe banana, boiled potato, boiled sweet potato, carrot, spinach, apple and pear are also good options for initial feeding of babies. You can also cook chicken and prepare its puree and give it to your child. When introducing solid foods to your baby, give one food item at a time. Keep the quantity of food less. This will make it easier for you to find out whether the child is allergic to any food item or not. You can also give fat-rich dairy products like cheese and curd etc. to your child from this age. Always choose such products for the child which do not have any added sugar i.e. ‘No Added Sugar’ is written on it. Initially give solid food to the child twice a day and then gradually increase its quantity to three times a day. Also give him thin khichdi of rice and moong dal with half a spoon of ghee.