An afternoon date with Raw Food Thali …

-
An afternoon date with Raw Food Thali ….
Kailash Jhunjhunwala runs a unique Kitchen in Pravasi Industrial Estate, Goregaon East , where the Thali served consists only raw ingredients .
It is tasty, healthy packed with minerals, vitamins and all essentials needed for an healthy body. We enjoyed this Thali Food today , my friend Dev Mani Pandey and K P Saxena were also a part of this unique experience. We had Green Juice followed by mixed Salad marinated with thick  Nariyal milk, Dahi Pakodi - Pakodi made with Poha and grated Dodhi , Dahi made with Soyamilk, Chutney made with Nariyal paste, crushed ground nuts and a dash of jaggery, veg rolls made with poha decorated with sesame seeds. It followed with Sweet Potato Halwa.
Kailash Ji himself followed similar diet and fought successfully many cronic ailments. He was there and explained why we need to eat  raw food that  consists of uncooked, unprocessed, and mostly plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sprouted grains. 
He says that  eating raw foods preserves their natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, leading to better digestion, increased energy, and improved overall health. In nutshell there are strong points in favour of raw food :
1. Higher Nutrient Retention
Cooking destroys heat-sensitive nutrients like vitamin C, B vitamins, and enzymes that aid digestion. Raw foods retain their full nutritional profile.
2. Improved Digestion
Raw foods are rich in fiber and natural enzymes, which promote gut health, prevent constipation, and enhance nutrient absorption.
3. Weight Management
Raw foods are typically low in calories and high in water content, helping with satiety and weight control.
4. Better Hydration
Fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, and oranges have high water content, keeping the body hydrated.
5. Boosts Immunity
Raw foods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrients that strengthen the immune system.
6. Glowing Skin & Hair
The abundance of vitamins (A, C, E) and healthy fats in raw nuts and seeds promotes healthy skin and hair.
7. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
A diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
That is why the entire animal kingdom depends upon raw food only, it is only homo-sapiens who cook, fry rather overcook and face the music. 
You may ask what are the Best Raw Food Options for the Indian Palate? 
In fact , Indian cuisine offers a variety of delicious and nutritious raw food options that align well with traditional tastes. Here are some of the best choices:
1. Fruits
* Bananas – Rich in potassium and quick energy.
* Mangoes – High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
* Guava – Excellent for digestion and immunity.
* Papaya – Contains papain, an enzyme that aids digestion.
* Berries (Amla, Strawberries, Jamun) – Loaded with antioxidants.
2. Vegetables
* Cucumber – Hydrating and cooling.
* Carrots – Great for eyesight (rich in beta-carotene).
* Tomatoes – Rich in lycopene (better absorbed with healthy fats).
* Bell Peppers (Capsicum) – High in vitamin C.
* Radish (Mooli) – Aids digestion and detoxification.
3. Nuts & Seeds
* Almonds (soaked) – Good for brain health.
* Walnuts – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
* Flaxseeds & Chia Seeds – Excellent for fiber and omega-3.
* Pumpkin Seeds – Great for magnesium and zinc.
4. Sprouts
* Moong Sprouts – High in protein and easy to digest.
* Chana Sprouts – Rich in fiber and iron.
* Methi (Fenugreek) Sprouts – Helps regulate blood sugar.
5. Herbs & Spices
* Coriander & Mint – Detoxifying and cooling.
* Ginger & Garlic – Boosts immunity and digestion.
* Turmeric (raw) – Powerful anti-inflammatory.
6. Dairy Alternatives (for vegans)
* Coconut Water and coconut giri– Hydrating and rich in electrolytes.
* Cold-Pressed Oils (Coconut, Sesame, Olive) – Healthy fats for nutrient absorption.
7. Traditional Raw Indian Dishes
* Koshimbir (Indian Salad) – Made with cucumber, carrot, and peanuts.
* Fruit Chaat – A mix of seasonal fruits with chaat masala.
* Sprouted Moong Salad – With lemon, onions, and spices.
* Neembu Pani (Lemon Water) – Detoxifying and refreshing.
* Green Juices.
If you want to start Raw Food Diet
* Start by including one raw meal a day (e.g., a smoothie or salad).
* Soak nuts and seeds for better digestion.
* Combine raw foods with healthy fats (like avocado or coconut) for nutrient absorption.
* Listen to your body—some people may need lightly steamed vegetables for easier digestion.
If you are tempted to switch to Raw Food Meal Diet , you have a sample, this should  incorporates nutrient-dense, easily available Indian ingredients while keeping dishes flavorful and satisfying.
🌅 Morning (7:00 - 8:00 AM) – Detox Drink & Hydration
* Warm Lemon Water (1 glass) – Boosts digestion & alkalizes the body.
* Soaked Almonds (6-8) + Walnuts (2-3) – Rich in healthy fats & protein.
🍏 Breakfast (9:00 - 10:00 AM) – Energy-Boosting Green Smoothie made with :
* 1 banana
* 1 small cucumber
* Handful of spinach/palak
* 1 tsp chia seeds
* 1 tsp flaxseeds
* ½ inch ginger
* 1 cup coconut water
Blend well & enjoy!
🥙 Mid-Morning Snack (11:30 AM) – Digestive Booster
* 1 small bowl of Sprouted Moong Salad
    * Sprouted moong + chopped cucumber + tomato + onion
    * Lemon juice + black salt + roasted cumin powder
    * Fresh coriander
🥗 Lunch (1:00 - 2:00 PM) – Wholesome Raw Thali
* Koshimbir (Cucumber & Carrot Salad)
    * Grated cucumber + carrot + fresh coconut
    * Lemon + roasted peanut powder + salt
* Raw Coconut Chutney
    * Fresh coconut + coriander + green chili + lemon
* Handful of Soaked Chana (Black Chickpeas) – For protein & iron
* 1 small bowl of Sliced Fruits(Papaya/Guava/Apple)
☕ Evening (4:30 - 5:30 PM) – Rejuvenating Drink
* Raw Coconut Water (1 glass) – Hydrating & electrolyte-rich
* Handful of Sunflower/Pumpkin Seeds – For zinc & magnesium
🥒 Dinner (7:30 - 8:30 PM) – Light & Nourishing
* Raw Vegetable Salad
    * Lettuce + bell peppers + cherry tomatoes + avocado (if available)
    * Olive oil + lemon + black pepper
* 1 small bowl of Soaked Figs (Anjeer) & Raisins – Natural sweetness + iron
🌙 Before Bed (Optional) – Relaxing Drink
* Cold-pressed Coconut Milk (unsweetened) or Almond Milk (soaked & blended)
Mr Jhunjhunwala use this aesthetically prepared dining space into a makeshift art gallery, we also enjoyed watching beautiful paintings displayed.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is Kedli Mother of Idli : Tried To Find Out Answer In Indonesia

-
Image
Recently I traveled to Indonesia and surprised to learn that culturally Indonesian are very close to us. Even their food has certain commonality. And interestingly I come to know that our very own Idli has its origin in Indonesia. Let us start with religion. Hindu and Budhist influences arrived in this archipelago much before birth of Jesus Christ. It is however unclear that how the cultural and spiritual ideas from India were diffused in the area. It appears that there had been regular trade links between southern part of India with Ceylon, Java, Sumatra, Bali as well as many other Islands in Indian as well as Pacific ocean. The traders from India brought their cultural, culinary and religious influences. Java legends refer to Saka-era, traced to 78 AD . Stories from the famous epic Mahabharat have been traced in Indonesian islands to the 1st century; whose versions mirror those found in southeast Indian peninsular region. The Javanese prose work Tantu Pagelaran of the 14th cent...
Read more

A Peep Into Life Of A Stand-up Comedian - Punit Pania

-
Image
I met Punit Pania yesterday at Independence Brewing Company. an happening watering hole in Lokhandwala area just before his stand-up comedy act. In fact he was generous enough to share his space with The Book  Club event on first floor of pub, he shared his journey from a safe Corporate Den to the wild world of stand-up comedians. Punit is a Non-Gujju born and broughtup in Gujju dominated Society in Kandivali East as a protected child, where his parents did not allow him to travel any place beyond the reach of auto rikshaw ! Not only that her mother was so protective that she was happy to concede her son's intent to start a pathological lab in the area so that he come every day for maa ke haath kaa dopahar ka khana ! But destiny thought otherwise, after spending seven years in Corporate World , Punit became a stand-up comedian.  Protected, safe and secured years of salaried existence, he came out of the closet. Punit is the single man behind Chalta Hai Comedy – a...
Read more

Searching Roots of Sir Elton John In Pinner ,London

-
Image
Elton John is my most favorite singer. He is a singer, songwriter, pianist and composer all rolled into one. In terms of sales, he is the fourth-best-selling music artist worldwide . In 1998, he was knighted by British Queen this got ‘Sir’ title, but for music lover like me whether he is Sir or not a Sir , it is immaterial. He has won heart of millions of music lovers, that is more important. These days I am living in Harrow Burroughs of London, Pinner is a part of it. Yesterday I was in Pinner Library and out of a conversation between two young ladies I come to know that this international rock sensation was born and brought up in this area only. I asked the ladies  about the details. Than they shared that he was born in house at 55, Pinner Hill Road in March 1947. One of them told me more : that he was the eldest child of Stanley Dwight and the only child of Sheila Eileen. The boy was named Reginald Kenneth Dwight, and raised in the council house of his grandparents at 55, Pinn...
Read more