Mans love for food-3 BC

I have known man’s love for food, wars have been fought, and poets have waxed eloquence on it, but after a very long time I have seen man sharing his food on this  magnitude...hi and welcome to the 3 bc beach cookout, if you have missed it, you have something to regret for the rest of your lives...a cfg hosted event the brainchild of Rama Krishnan and friends saw the culmination of all food lovers to the beach (at thiruvanmayur,chennai) for an event which saw all food lovers under one giant umbrella...food has no colour, creed, religion or nationality, it didn't matter if your black or white ( yes Michael Jackson we understand you better),don’t know any culinary skills or for that matter don’t know your onions from your potato, the sheer splendor of being able  to share food to a community of food lovers was a joy to behold...there was no, I can do this better, or this should be this way or move over I can do better, nothing....every one took it on themselves to play important roles, be it the barbecuing, the skewering, the serving and even the post cleaning...oh mankind what a wonderful world we live in, more than a 100 people, each one brought along something or the other to be made on the spot and served ..People’s generosities for the event needs to be applauded, it was as if the floodgates to a heart were open, each one carried with them some food and went back, I’m sure with memories they aren't going to forget in a long time… loved the spirit of the crowd, the happiness to share ones food has a joy of its own and it was there in every ones face..A mention has to be made on the splendid music provided by a group of young men and women,entertaining and so upbeat...

It’s not every day that you get to see peoples generosity and kindness towards lesser fortunate people, have seen and witnessed such kindness from a brat (please don’t hit me with a bat) who under his harsh debatable exterior turned out to be a softy at heart…..i salute you my friend may you continue to share your food with all…

I am deliberately not mentioning names on my blog as in my opinion all the folks at the event put their hands together to make this event a truly huge success, however I need to thank the forum and the administration of Chennai Food Guide for showcasing the event and to Ramakrishna of Pizza Republic who were the force behind the initiation and success of this show…

I know this may sound more of a vote of thanks, but I've got to do it…the grill would not have been lit if not for so many who got their hands dirty (some their faces too) who tirelessly stood and grilled for a nonstop 4 hours…tired hands and aching feet made up by the happy faces and innumerable thank yous…What a splendid evening it was, and like all good things this one too had its shutter down and just in time for the heavens to bless the occasion…
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Photo courtesy Roshan Kuruvilla Thomas.

Thin girl calling-My diet tips

Inside every fat person there is a thin person wanting to get out...this post is not a review on a restaurant workshop or the likes of it,its my personal battle with the bulge...Food has and will always remain my true calling,and with years of enjoying good,hearty food,it tends to lend itself to a lot of places you wish it wouldn't.

Someone just recently pointed out after looking at my before and after pictures that I could be a source of inspiration to her,the thought kept gnawing me and I have decided to share my experiences.I must say that this post is a lot more than what I would want or like to share,but I feel if by sharing,I could be a source of inspiration to anyone,so be it.

Around 5 years ago,I happened to actually look at myself in the mirror one fine morning and was shocked at the weight I had gained all of a sudden,this was just 6 months post surgery and the weight I had gained was huge...I knew I had to do this now or never.

There was no planning in the diet I followed,just went with my instinct ...
Listed below are the 10 commandments I followed..

1. Stopped rice immediately,meaning no rice in any form,no idli,no dosa..zilch zero..totally get it out...
2.Switch to olive oil,I used extra virgin olive oil..
3.Start your mornings with fruits,a cup of tea with low fat milk and a big wheat bread sandwich with vegetables and diet mayo..
4.Have 2-3 cups of green tea everyday..
5.Grill your meat don't fry them..
6.Use a lot of wheat products,dalia/rotis etc..
7.Have a sandwich at around 4 pm with your green tea..
8.Most important tip,finish your dinner by 6.30 pm and DON'T eat anything after that.This may take time getting used to,but its not impossible
9.Eat 4 meals in a day..
10.Eat a lot of fruits,i love papaya and enjoyed having it mid morning
10.Prepare fresh vegetable/fruit juice without sugar and keep it handy..you can have a glass of it per day,and throw out the sugars/refined flour(i mean cakes and biscuits).

This is the pattern I followed for 6 months,not a morsel of rice passed my lips...We as Indians love our rice and believe me it was the hardest to overcome...my carb rush would hit me every time i saw rice or biryani being served.But you can overcome it,trust me if I can do it so can you...

I ate everything and anything avoiding just the rice,switching over to olive oil and having 4 meals a day...
The first few weeks are the hardest,but after a while you will start enjoying your food much more,trust me I have been there and done that...This diet is what personally suited me,I found it simple ,practical,and healthy too...Got to eat a lot more of vegetables and fruits than I ever had....

Now for the shocker,since I have been following this diet(Its been 5 years now) I have lost 20 kgs yes you read it right,20 kgs ...and I feel good about it...so if I can motivate someone by sharing my experience so be it,I will.

Please do remember this worked fine for me,I balanced all the foods, balanced the family of food,did breathing exercises,kept myself active throughout....

Conclusion:This is my version of opting for a healthy lifestyle,I still maintain most of it(come on we are rice eaters here) don't count the morsels I eat,but do keep a watch on the quantity...So enjoy your food,try out different cuisines,but listen to your body,respect it,and focus on staying healthy...Also note what worked for me may not work necessarily for you,so find your path and God willing you shall succeed ....