Like many urban professionals of my generation, I’ve led a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. My physical activity has been limited to leisurely walks, devoid of the meticulous tracking of steps or pushing my body to its limits with brisk exercise. Admittedly, I carry excess weight, though it’s not for lack of aspiration to be healthier and more youthful. Two decades ago, I embarked on a weight loss journey recommended by a pair of doctors, which involved some drastic dietary modifications, discipline and regular brisk walking. Initially, the results seemed promising. But I was blindsided by a relatively obscure autoimmune condition. This catapulted me into a whirlwind of hospital visits, surgeries, and a revolving door of medications, throwing my life and that of my family into disarray for several years. The side effects of these medications ranged from requiring a walking aid due to calcium depletion to temporary loss of voice from severe laryngitis, and years spent testing the resilience of both me and my loved ones. Thankfully, with time and medical intervention, I regained a semblance of normalcy, but the spectre of ongoing medical management looms large, a reminder that my health journey is far from over.
Now in my early seventies, I bear the physical markers of my tumultuous health history, but I endeavour to maintain a positive outlook. It was this mindset that saw me through the darkest days, mitigating what could have been catastrophic consequences and facilitating my path to recovery. I’m often intrigued by peers who, in their quest for better health, readily embrace new diets and exercise fads touted by experts or self-styled gurus, sometimes without fully grasping the nuances or limitations of the underlying research. In my no expert but in my common sense, the body’s response to dietary changes and exercise regimens is influenced by a multitude of factors, including genetic predispositions, adaptability, emotional well-being, environmental influences, and the body’s capacity to absorb nutrients. Furthermore, I contend that the conclusions drawn from such studies are often oversimplified and applied broadly to diverse populations, neglecting the fact that individual bodies can exhibit varied responses to different dietary patterns. Take, for instance, the anecdotal evidence from my own family history: during my teenage years, I had the privilege of meeting my great-grandmother, who remained remarkably agile and walked unaided well into her late nineties. According to my father, her vitality was sustained by a diet centered around generously portioned, ghee-laden parathas crafted from freshly ground wheat using a hand-operated flour mill, consumed in the mornings, complemented by a nightly glass of full-cream milk.
Similarly, my late father-in-law and several close relatives, who thrived well into their nineties, indulged their sweet cravings without reservation, adhering steadfastly to a diet rich in traditional Indian fare. Remarkably, they experienced no discernible adverse effects from their dietary habits, nor did they see any reason to deviate from their culinary preferences. Reflecting on these observations, I am inclined to believe that for the majority, a balanced Indian diet holds no inherent drawbacks. However, it’s crucial for everyone to discern the optimal quantity and composition of foods that best suit their unique physiological needs, barring rare instances where medical professionals have diagnosed specific food intolerances.
In view of the foregoing, I would be sceptical whether, at this stage of life, when routines tend to be entrenched, we can expect our metabolisms to readily adapt to radical dietary shifts.
Reflecting on the cautionary tale from the fifth tantra of Panchatantra-Aprikshitkarka, I’m reminded of the perils of embarking on untested endeavours without carefully weighing the risks. For me, sticking to a familiar “desi” diet, albeit in adjusted quantities responsive to my body’s needs, takes precedence, even if it means carrying extra weight. After all, a known adversary is preferable to an unknown one.
Inspire Positivity 