Sara Nutrition | Traditional Indian Nutrition for Better Health

  Why February Is the Best Month to Focus on Health By Saranya – Dietician, Nutrition Educator, Diabetes Educator      January often begins with big health resolutions. New diet plans. Gym memberships. Strict routines.  But by February… reality starts. Motivation drops. Old habits slowly return. And many people feel guilty that they “failed” their New Year goals. As a dietician with 20 years of experience, I always say this: January is for resolutions. February is for real transformation. February is actually the perfect month to start focusing on health in a practical, sustainable way. Let’s see why. 1. The Excitement Is Over – Now Real Habits Can Start In January, people try extreme diets: Skipping meals Avoiding rice completely Drinking only juices Starting heavy workouts suddenly This is not sustainable. By February, you are calmer. You understand what is realistic. This is the right time to build small, long-lasting habits like: Eating on time Drinking en...

  Green Pigeon Peas   A Simple Guide to This Nutritious Indian Pulse      As a dietician with 20 years of experience in Indian kitchens, I often recommend green pigeon peas for everyday healthy cooking. They are traditional, affordable, and highly nutritious. What are Green Pigeon Peas?      Green pigeon peas are the fresh, unripe form of pigeon peas . In Tamil, they are called Pachai Thuvaram Paruppu . Unlike dry toor dal, these peas are green, soft, and slightly sweet in taste. They are commonly used in South Indian cooking when they are freshly harvested. Health Benefits of Green Pigeon Peas Green pigeon peas are packed with nutrients that support overall health. Key benefits: Good source of plant protein for muscle strength Rich in dietary fiber for better digestion Helps in blood sugar control due to low glycaemic load Supports heart health by reducing bad cholesterol Contains iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins Keeps you ful...

  January Seasonal Foods in Tamil Nadu What to Eat for Better Health By Dietician – Saranya January is a beautiful month in Tamil Nadu 🌾 Weather is pleasant, digestion is better, and many fresh seasonal foods are easily available. Eating seasonal foods helps to: Improve digestion Boost immunity Prevent common winter illnesses Maintain healthy weight naturally Let’s see what vegetables, fruits, and greens to eat in January , their health benefits , and simple cooking ideas . 🥕 1. January Seasonal Vegetables in Tamil Nadu ✅ Commonly Available Vegetables Carrot Beetroot Radish (Mullangi) Cabbage Cauliflower Beans Broad beans (Avarakkai) Turnip 🌟 Health Benefits Rich in fiber → good digestion Improve immunity Help detox the body Support weight management 🍲 Simple Cooking Ideas Carrot & beans poriyal Beetroot kootu Mullangi sambar Cabbage stir fry Vegetable soup 🍊 2. January Seasonal Fruits in Tamil Nadu ✅ Eas...

 Monsoon Nutrition: Boosting Immunity with Seasonal Foods      The monsoon season in India brings relief from the scorching summer heat, but it also increases susceptibility to infections due to fluctuating weather, humidity, and waterborne diseases. To stay healthy during this season, it’s essential to support your immune system with the right nutrition. Consuming fresh, seasonal foods is one of the best ways to boost immunity and keep infections at bay. Here’s a guide to the top immunity-boosting seasonal foods that can enhance your diet during the monsoon. Turmeric and Ginger: Natural Immunity Boosters      Turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric, rich in curcumin, helps boost immunity and fight infections, while ginger improves digestion and soothes a sore throat, common during the rainy season. Start your day with a cup of turmeric milk or ginger tea to keep your immunity strong. Bitter Gourd ...

August's Bounty: Top Seasonal Cereals to Add to Your Diet       Welcome back to Sara Nutrition! As we embrace the monsoon season, August brings a fresh harvest of nutritious cereals that can enhance your diet and support your health. Incorporating seasonal cereals not only adds variety to your meals but also ensures you’re consuming foods at their nutritional peak. Let’s explore the top seasonal cereals in India this August and discover their health benefits. Ragi (Finger Millet) High in Calcium: Ragi is an excellent source of calcium, crucial for bone health. Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Rich in Antioxidants: Helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation. How to Enjoy: Ragi Porridge: A  nutritious breakfast option, especially for children and the elderly. Ragi Dosa: A healthy twist on the traditional dosa, perfect for breakfast or dinner. Jowar (Sorghum) High in Protein: Supports muscle repair and growth. Rich ...

 Seasonal Foods for the Month of June in India      June marks the beginning of the monsoon season in India, bringing a much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat. The arrival of rain not only rejuvenates the environment but also brings an abundance of seasonal fruits, vegetables, grains, and pulses. Consuming seasonal produce is not only beneficial for health but also supports local farmers and the economy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the seasonal foods available in India during June. Grains   Rice: Varieties: Basmati, Sona Masuri, Ponni Uses: Rice is a staple in Indian cuisine, used in dishes like biryanis, pulao, idlis, and dosas. The monsoon season is ideal for growing rice as it requires a lot of water. Bajra (Pearl Millet): Benefits : Rich in fiber, iron, and protein. Uses:   Commonly used to make rotis, khichdi, and porridges. Bajra is beneficial for digestive health and keeps the body warm during the cooler monsoon months. Pulses Moong...

Enjoying Seasonal Bounty: Cooking with March Produce for Women's Health in India.            As March arrives, it comes an abundance of fresh seasonal produce that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides numerous health advantages. In India, whose culinary traditions are inextricably linked to the changing seasons, embracing local and seasonal products is critical to feeding the body and promoting general well-being, particularly for women. In this post, we will look at the seasonal produce of March in India and how it might enhance women's health. Seasonal Produce of March in India:      In many parts of India, March marks the transition from winter to spring, bringing out a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Some of the seasonal vegetables available during this period are: Palak :      Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse that promotes several elements of women's health. It contains iron, vitam...

 Healthy Snacking on a Budget: Smart Choices       In today's fast-paced lifestyle, snacking has become an integral part of our daily routine. However, it's essential to make smart choices when it comes to snacking, especially for those on a budget. With a little planning and creativity, it's possible to enjoy nutritious snacks without breaking the bank. This article aims to provide budget-friendly ideas for maintaining healthy snacking habits, focusing particularly on snacks suitable for South Indian preferences. Budget-Friendly Healthy Snacking Tips: Plan Ahead       Planning is key to maintaining healthy snacking habits on a budget. Take some time to plan your snacks for the week ahead. Make a list of budget-friendly ingredients you'll need and prepare snacks in advance to avoid impulse purchases. Buy in Bulk:       Purchase staple ingredients like whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds in bulk. Buying in bulk often com...

 Balancing Act: Managing Weight in Winter with Smart Nutrition Introduction:      Many of us find ourselves seeking for  high-calorie dishes in the winter season. It might be difficult to maintain a healthy weight throughout the winter because of the lower levels of physical activity brought on by the shorter days and colder weather. However, you may find a balance between enjoying winter pleasures and maintaining your general well-being by adopting a conscious approach to nutrition.  Adopt a Seasonal Produce Lifestyle:      There are lots of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables available in the winter that you may include in your meals. In addition to being delicious, root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips are also a great source of fiber and vitamins. Brussels sprouts and other leafy greens are in their finest throughout the winter, providing an abundance of antioxidants. By include these in season foods into your diet ...