Strategic Leadership and Teamwork has become a part of Bhavana Bandekar in her professional journey of over 40 years, and this has complimented her current role as Manager, Talent Development at HCI. Her passion for travel with its accompaniment of culinary exposure has opened a vista of adventurous outcomes which she would like to blend with her profession.
Focus: The Intersection of Food Habits and Health Outcomes
Food habits significantly influence our health, shaping physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Understanding this intersection is crucial for promoting healthier lifestyles and improving general health. Today, I would like to elaborate on three main points –
Healthy Eating Trends, the Impact of Processed Foods, and Cultural Approaches to Nutrition
Let me share a more engaging take on healthy eating: My Food Journey Through Cultures: An Indian Lens
A South Indian specifically a Mangalorean by birth, I was fascinated by my grandmother’s dexterity in churning delicious meals out of the simplest of resources— like seafood or coconut oil! Every morning, I would wake up to the hustle and bustle of the kitchen – rhythmic scraping of coconuts, the spluttering of mustard seeds in coconut oil, and a fusion of the aromas of curry leaves, and spices. The kitchen was an apothecary – turmeric, pepper, ginger, holy basil, sesame, and many more ingredients that spelled WELLNESS! From then my food and nutrition connection started.
India unfolds an adventurous journey of culinary delights beginning with a trail from Kashmir to Kanyakumari – each region extolling its own virtues: It is a rich ensemble of not just food, but an art and a science handed down as a legacy!
As my work took me to different Asian shores, I could identify similarities between certain processes – the Korean art of fermentation in Kimchi, doenjang, and gochujang was filled with probiotics which I could immediately relate to the Indian rice batter and pickles! I found a likeness to Ayurveda’s (Alternative Medicine) principles of balance when I read about the Japanese concept of mindful eating – washoku – the harmony of food found in their dashi broths and bento boxes – healthy yet minimalistic!
Europe opened an array of gourmet experiences – olive oil reminded me of the coconut oil I was used to, our tangy rasam matched the Mediterranean tomato-ingrained dishes, and our traditional pickles paralleled their preservation of citrus!
Modernisation & globalisation brought in its wake the processed food revolution – but Indian wisdom protected it from being swayed totally – the age-old sun-dried savories were technically processed yet nutritious, and I was able to discern between mindful preservation and harmful processing!
Today, my platter resembles a global thali – Korean kimchi sits beside Kerala fish curry, and Japanese miso soup accompanies ragi pancake! It’s not about exotic combinations; it’s about understanding how different cultures solved the same puzzle of human nutrition in their unique ways.
Let me integrate my Food Journey perspective with these organisational questions:
1.How does your role as Manager of Talent Development connect with nutrition and lifestyle?
As a Manager, Talent Development at HCI, an organisation dedicated to producing top nursing professionals, I would like to amalgamate nutrition, and lifestyle education into our organisational culture. Wellness programs should be provided to prove that “Mind & Matter makes Minds Matter”.
2.What motivated your interest in food habits and health outcomes? Motivation to maintain a balance between mental and physical wellness
is of primary importance and my love for variety in what I eat made me develop a variety of health-promoting eating practices.
3.What has driven the shift in public awareness towards healthy eating?
Increased access to information, social media influence, and awareness of the environmental impact of food choices have driven this shift.
4.How can workplaces encourage healthier eating habits?
Workplaces should introduce healthy food options – Soups, salad bowls, wraps, and parfaits making it enriching by conducting regular Interactive cooking classes, mindfulness sessions, and ergonomic training. The effectiveness can be assessed through regular surveys and health assessments.
5. What role do technology and innovations play in supporting better nutrition choices?
Technology has advanced so much that it can track and monitor the effect of food and its results. Innovations like wearables will maintain records of every intake.
6.What are some misconceptions about processed foods?
Several misconceptions have emerged about processed foods – One falsified notion is that it is bad and lacking in nutrients – but Fortified Cereals and canned vegetables disprove this theory. Another myth is debatable – avoid processed foods at all costs! However, working people would vouch that they can make healthy eating easier and more convenient by providing ready-to- eat options that save time and effort. If you visit any of the food blogs by nutritionists and influencers, you will find several recipes of meal options using processed foods like Stir fry canned veggies, chicken strip tortillas, canned Tuna salad, and very flavourful smoothies. You will have a delicious meal and save time!
You can save all these meal preps in the fridge for at least 2 -3 days in air-tight containers.
7.How is the reliance on convenience foods influencing health challenges?
Depending totally on convenience foods is harmful. There should be a moderation between processed foods and fresh food. Cook at home simple meals whenever there is time. Remember that processed foods might not give you the complete nutrients and be a channel for several health issues, such as rising rates of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Create a healthy balance with taste, and nutrition.
8.Practical strategies to minimise processed foods without compromising convenience?
Here are a few tips to minimise processed foods without compromising convenience:
Keep at hand wholesome snacks, dry fruits, edible seeds, homemade granola bars of dates and roasted oatmeal, and baked sweet potato chips. No fizzy drinks but green teas, herbal drinks, and water are a must to hydrate oneself.
9.How do cultural practices influence dietary choices and health outcomes?
Communities across the world are influenced by their respective
Cultures and each Culture has its distinct food, preparation, flavours, eating techniques, dietary choices, and health outcomes that could be beneficial or harmful. Be adventurous and try your hand at creating healthy platters by blending different ethnic cuisines!
10.Examples of beneficial cultural nutrition practices?
If you try to bring the world’s flavours to your kitchen, just follow your heart, mind, and gut to get the best out of the nutritional benefits. Let your platter be a global combination of a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet consisting of olive oil and fresh produce, the Japanese mouthwatering bites of fish and fermented foods, and the Indian diet that uses anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger, with an emphasis on plant- based, seasonal, and locally grown foods.
11.How can we celebrate diversity in food while promoting healthy eating?
Let us celebrate food by adapting the healthy eating traditions of the world! HCI must promote the washoku – a perfect and harmonious blend of food, that balances nutritional wellness, and healthy ingredients, with time-tested cooking methods. Let’s develop a universal language of healthy eating between global communities.
Here are a few ideas for educating others about food diversity:
- Cultural Food Nights: Greet, Meet, and Eat traditional food while sharing the richness of your culture.
- Cooking Classes: Learn from others the traditional cooking style from a variety of cuisines.
- Social media: Visit sites like YouTube and Instagram to share cooking advice, recipes, and the cultural significance of various foods.
- Workshop, and Chef Talks: Invite chefs of various ethnicities to share their culinary expertise and discuss the advantages of variety, nutrition, and taste.
12.Advice for balancing nutritious eating with demanding lifestyles?
Changes can happen if there is an intention to adapt to a new lifestyle. Start with baby steps – let there be more fruits and vegetables, less or no sugary drinks, and plan meals prepped in advance. Consistency and balance are key.
13.The role of education in shaping healthier food habits? Deliberate and conscious
choices can be made when we are aware of all the good things that accompany the right kind of food. Regular write-ups, sharing of ideas, and workshops will take care of shaping healthier food habits.
14.How can organisations integrate nutrition awareness into well-being programs?
Organisations must create opportunities for integrating nutrition awareness and well-being programs by organising regular workshops where employees can meet nutritionists in a one-on- one meetings to discuss healthy diets which will enforce healthy lifestyles. I have mentioned a few tried and tested strategies:
- Use the Intranet to send regular communications through email, and monthly newsletters.
- Posters with visual images to be displayed in common areas like the lounge or the pantry area.
- People love being pampered – give incentives using recommendation points and motivating remarks, wellness points, or coupons
- Involved managers in highlighting well-being workshops during team meetings.
- Conduct surveys to gather feedback and continuously improve workshop quality.