Is snacking on small meals every two hours a good idea?
It depends on what we are eating. If we are eating healthy every two hours, like nuts, fruits, salads for health reasons, it would work for few weeks. But we cannot go on forever with this kind of diet. Of course small meals have their advantages, firstly, there are hardly any gaps to feel hungry, and secondly, eating so often might boost our metabolism, but where is the time for the tummy to rest? Hardly has it finished digesting one course of food and there is another course, and there is no pause. Poor tummy is working full time. Also, we are all the time thinking of food and planning the next meal. So the brain is also thinking of food all the time.
Anyways, that is the latest fad followed by most of the youth. Otherwise, normally its always heavy breakfast and lunch, evening snack and then light dinner. People who feast on evening snack, skip dinner to stay fit. Snacking has always been the interesting part of our diet. We go to park for an evening stroll to lose some weight but stop to snack on street food. Not sure if the tummy complains at these surprise treats but we are happy to taste some tasty, spicy small meals. Sometimes we overeat, its like we will order Pani Puri, followed by a plate of Samosas and then an ice cream. If we still eat dinner with family (as per rule) then we are sure to have sleepless nights. To enjoy any kind of food, it should be done in moderation. Snacking too.
Mrs Nayana Mehta prepares some of the tastiest, healthy snacks at home.
Mrs Nayana Mehta (of Mammies Munchies fame) is a passionate cook. Her passion started at the age of 14years while studying and helping her mom with household chores. She was always eager to know and learn about making various food dishes. Life and responsibilities has engaged most of her life, leaving her little time to pursue her own interests. After many years of busy life, cooking delicious food for close family and friends, she realised that she wanted to do something of her own, something more that would give her immense joy,
“I have learnt all the traditional dishes from my mother and I am still learning from every senior person I meet and also from my own children. Life is an amazing journey when you are learning constantly. And right now, at the age of 65 I am finally fulfilling my dream. My children have been my guiding light and force.” She asserts.
Mrs Nayana Mehta specialises in traditional Indian sweets, snacks and pickles.
She loves to make pickles and find it very de-stressing and therapeutic. “My mother ke hath se bana hua ‘Methi Keri ka Aachar’ was unforgettable. That’s where my journey of making pickles started at a very young age.” She says, her favourite till date is ‘Peru ki Subji’ and ‘Ghari (Surati)’ in sweets.
Her favourite food memories dates back from her ‘Rajasthan Tourism Hotel’ near Gujarat-Rajathan border at having tasted the most delicious Rajasthani Mix Lentil Dal.
Nayana makes all types of amazing soft Dhoklas. She would like to share recipe for the
‘Split Moong Dal Dhoklas’ .
1. Soak Dal for 3-4 hours.
2. Remove water and grind it coarsely.
3. Add Ginger, green Chilli paste, salt, Cumin seeds
4. Add a pinch of Baking soda , 1tsp of Lemon and 1/2 tsp Sugar.
5. Mix it well.
6. Steam it for 15 -18 mins.
7. Check once done .
8. Remove from steamer.
9. Add tadka of 1tsp Oil, Mustard seeds, Sesame seeds and Curry leaves.
10. Garnish with fresh Coconut and finely chopped Coriander.
11. Relish hot, healthy and delicious Dhoklas with ‘coriander and mint’ Chutney.
Follow her Insta handle @maamis_munchies
Contact her on WatsApp at 99676 43344
