Till about a decade back our Indian Breakfast Items were broadly classified into north Indian and south indian breakfast items, that the entire country devoured by and large. Then there was a sea change in the breakfast scenario almost in every Indian home. The parathas and idlis were replaced with bowlful of oats, muesli or cornflakes. These are easy to cook, and have been positioned as ‘nutritious and an excellent replacements’ to the Indian breakfast items.

Curated from Healthsite.com

But are they good for the Indian body types?
There isn’t any study or documentation to say if these breakfast cereals are not good for the Indian body types. They do lower cholesterol, help in weight loss, relive from symptoms of constipation, control blood pressure, and protect the immune system, among others.

Scientifically your food preferences should be in sync with the place you live in. ‘Ideally one should choose foods that are climatically, geographically suited for the individual. That means, eat more seasonal grains, fresh produce and fruits that grow in the soil you live in. These are packed with the right kind of nutrients and minerals that you body needs the most,’ says Dr Bhavi Mody, Homeopath and founder, Vrudhi Homeopathy and Wellness centre, Mumbai.

So should we stop having our favourite bowlful of oats and cornflakes?

No, but one should learn how to balance the choices. ‘Sometimes it is difficult to eat customised foods or the ones that grow in your state or country. People are scattered everywhere and we are now living in a global village. But it is important to strike a balance and choose to eat healthy consciously,’ says Dr Bhavi.

How can you opt for a healthy breakfast option?
Here are a few rules that you can follow to have a healthy breakfast:

• If you choose to eat breakfast cereals read their labels carefully. Avoid having the ones that are high on sugar content and have artificial flavours.
• Replace your breakfast cereal with one Indian breakfast item on alternate days. Having upma, poha, parathas will give you loads of carbohydrates and minerals and help you stay satiated for long hours.
• Learn portion control. Eating excess of anything isn’t good the same goes with your Indian items and breakfast cereals.
• Avoid adding sugar in your cereals.
• When it comes to the Indian breakfast items try adding less of oil and ghee to it.
• Never miss your breakfast.
• Seasonal fruits can be a good choice for your breakfast. But have it either with cereals or a bowl of fresh fruits before breakfast.
• Eat an early breakfast to enhance your metabolism process.

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