- SHARAN/We could handle the pandemic so calmly!
We could handle the pandemic so calmly!
Rinku Naren from Bengaluru discovered something remarkable since the time of self-isolation due to the corona virus
“Last evening, I was having a conversation with my friend and he told me that in this time of self-isolation, work-from-home and social distancing, a lot of people are eager to get back to the office. He told me how people have realised that every member in a modern family set up is attuned to a different purpose and routine and has different wants and desires. He also said that most people are complaining about this whole lockdown. And then it occurred to me why things are different in my house and none of us are unhappy with this situation.
I have two kids, aged six and twelve. My husband works in the IT field but has been working from home like thousands of others. My elderly mother lives with me. Ideally, it should have been pretty boring or chaotic. However, in my home it’s different. We are all happy in our spaces, kids have not complained about not going out to play, they have figured out ways to keep themselves busy (it’s not restricted to just the TV or mobile) and there is no cribbing about malls and restaurants being closed.
What I realised is that adopting a plant-based diet and organic food has changed us in many ways. Firstly, we have been practicing the 20/21 per week meals at home rule for almost 18 months now. Now it is 21/21 meals. So, there is no excess craving to eat out. If there is some change required, I look at the recipes on the SHARAN website and try my hand at different dishes (the potato tofu kofta was a superhit). I make either a vegan cake at home or sesame ladoos that my kids love to snack on. Smoothie is also a favourite with them.
Yesterday, when we visited the shop for some non-perishable food, I was surprised to see that beyond jam and a bottle of orange marmalade, I really couldn’t pick up anything else! And I reflected on how my buying pattern has changed from two years ago when so much of cheese and other processed food made its way into my kitchen and our bodies!
I have also tried to keep my kids involved in the kitchen every week by having them segregate organic veggies that get delivered twice a week and are stored in the fridge. They also help chop veggies for salads. Their involvement encourages them to eat the veggies as well, especially my daughter who is a super fussy eater. For a child who only ate potatoes and tuvar dal growing up, now she appreciates most of the plant food that is put on the table. Truly I have Dr Nandita Shah and Nidhi Nahata to thank – for all the changes that our family has adopted and practice.” – Rinku Naren
