Nov 22, 2017

Superfoods are NOT easy shortcuts to a disciplined lifestyle

The Superfood mania is everywhere. The majority of the Indian urban elite seem to be searching for easy shortcuts to lose weight, to lose belly fat, to prevent lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol etc. 

The ads that portray messages like “drinking green tea 3-4 cups a day will help one to lose weight” are the perfect example of this trend.

The craze over olive oil started 3-4 years back and it is only getting stronger as days pass by. The recent promotion post by a popular food blogger where she recommends eating idli chutney podi mixed with extra virgin olive oil is the ultimate proof of how superfoods are being promoted to blend with Indian cuisine. The hashtag that’s been promoted is #IndianFoodLovesOliveOil

Eating olive oil everyday WILL NEITHER melt your body fat magically NOR will it prevent lifestyle diseases. These food bloggers are paid an exorbitant amount to promote such silly ideas. Let’s use our common sense, please!

The other superfood that has gained a lot of traction in the past couple of years is Quinoa, which I had written about earlier too. The popular Basmati rice brand “India Gate” has recently launched Quinoa (500 gms is priced at Rs.450). The promotional messages indicate that you can indulge in your favourite foods “guilt-free”.

I seriously want to ask if Quinoa has a sweet taste to it. Then how the hell can you indulge in bowls of halwa, JUST BECAUSE it is made with quinoa? Won’t the halwa need a sweetener like sugar or jaggery? Won't the halwa need ghee? Or do you recommend making it with olive oil? Maybe, the same food blogger will suggest this brilliant idea when the brand ties up with her to write promotional posts.

Another question for the maker of the ad that showcases burgers made with quinoa. The patties might be made with quinoa. What about the burger bun, the mayonnaise and the tomato ketchup that’s typically used in a burger? Are those made with quinoa too?

The ads send a message that you don’t have to do any workouts IF you eat quinoa. 
Forget about gruelling workouts to burn those extra calories! After indulging in a Burger #MadeWithQuinoa, kuch nahi karna padega! #IndulgeGuiltFree
Are people actually believing in such ridiculous messages?

Being fit and healthy is a daily task that requires discipline and willpower. Just because you are eating these expensive superfoods doesn’t imply that you can be a couch potato and expect magic to happen. Well, let me break the bad news for you - "Sab kuch karna padega - exercise, avoid junk foods, sleep on time, avoid stress, sab kuch"

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