Brown is the new White

I started baby steps towards eating healthy last month. I was unsure if I could do it because it involved a lot of change. I wish I could say it is easy. I struggle with my new choices and try to stay the course as far as I can. I have good days and a few off days that are slowly not too many in number.

One of the first changes was to move from white rice to brown rice. I balked at it but slowly made it work.

I love sugar in my tea. Whenever anyone commented on my sugar intake (I like 2 spoons of sugar in my tea), I would always respond "If I cannot have sugar in my tea, I would rather go without tea." I have not had sugar or milk in my tea for almost a month now. I thought that would be the toughest life style change but within a week, I was totally comfortable with it.

I try to include 1 fruit everyday and sprouts at least thrice a week. My food portions used to be quite erratic. I now stick to a fixed pattern and quantity everyday. If I am still hungry, I have a fruit instead of eating anything else.

I also have two cheat meals in a week when I can have whatever I like. I try to choose something healthy most of the time.

Sometimes, I go back to my old pattern for one meal or one snack. Then, I consciously reduce my intake for the next day. This is actually the toughest part for me.

I also thought that with these drastic changes, I would lose a lot of weight. But, its a slow and steady progress. However, I am happy that I am making some changes and am eating healthy. I do not feel stuffed or bloated. I actually feel light and that is something I am enjoying. Well, wish me luck :)

My colorful salad -- Wordless Wednesdays

Baked Onion Pakoda Snack -- An attempt at Eating Healthy

I have been reading ( a lot, according to the Arien), but I am yet to update the blog with my book reviews. Don't hold your breath - I probably will not be updating the blog with those reviews :) Finding time to read the books consumes all my free-time and so writing has taken a back-seat. Anyway, today I am back with a recipe for a baked snack. The Arien has been pushing me towards the whole diet thing but I have always found some way to escape -- not this time and I am glad I was open to the idea.

If you have issues getting out of the fried snacks mode, this recipe may help you. What you will need:

• Convection microwave or oven, baking tray
• Besan, 1 cup 
• 1 onion, chopped fine
• Corriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• Red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp
• 3/4 tsp baking powder or 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp melted butter, or oil, and salt as required
• Aluminium foil

How to:

Mix besan, onion, chilli, corriander, baking powder, salt and a little water to make a thick batter. Add the oil to the batter and ensure the oil is spread evenly on the batter. (You can also add oil initially but I prefer to do it in the end). Pre-heat the oven at 400 F. Add aluminium foil to the baking tray and grease it with a lil butter. Take small portions of the batter, arrange them on the tray in a manner that they do not mix. Add the tray to the oven and bake for 20 mts. 

You can turn the pakodas over in between so that they do not turn dark brown on only one side. However, if you have not greased the aluminium foil, this may be a difficult task. 

They will not taste like the fried onion pakodas but you are eating healthy and also satisfying a craving for the pakoda! If your portions are big, you may feel that the pakoda is not cooked -- so look at creating smaller portions so that they are completely cooked. 

The pic on the left shows you how mine turned out :) Happy cooking you all!!  Try it and let me know how you like it.