‘Important for COVID patients to eat small meals at short intervals’

NIN director says fruits, vegetables, nuts, milk, curd, fish make for an ideal diet, irrespective of the season

What are the ideal foods to consume during monsoon, a season which brings many diseases in its wake, especially when we are in the midst of a pandemic? National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) Director R. Hemalatha shares her suggestion to keep the body, mind and soul in the right space in this exclusive interview. Excerpts: Nutritionally adequate diet is ideal, through a wise choice from a variety of food groups at all times irrespective of the season. Foods such as vegetables and fruits, nuts, oilseeds, fish etc., are rich sources of good quality fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre and bioactive substances. Milk/curd provides good quality proteins and calcium should be an essential part of the diet too. Non-vegetarians can opt for moderate quantities of fish, poultry and lean meat. Prefer salads dressed with roasted peanuts/ chickpeas/nuts and oilseeds for snacks instead of fried stuffs or bakery foods. Avoid intake of HFSS — high in fats/oils, salt, sugar foods like chips, cookies, pastries, biscuits, puffs, fried stuffs,breakfast cereals, noodles, pastas, ice-creams ,etc. Prefer naans, buns and rotis made with whole grains instead of refined wheat flour.