Edelweiss CEO Radhika Gupta’s post suggesting half plate food to tackle obesity crisis has triggered a massive debate online
Eating out is part of everyday life and obesity is part of everyday discussion
Eating out is part of everyday life and obesity is part of everyday discussion. But is there a way to have the best of both worlds? How about being served lesser portions while eating out, which could ensure you eat less, which in turn helps people not turn obese? Now that’s what Edelweiss CEO Radhika Gupta suggests through her ‘half plate’ post. She said introducing half-plate options on all meals will ensure that people eat a little less. “Many of us eat small portions and eat a little extra because we as Indians don't like to waste food. Create options to eat a little less without wasting food or money,” she said.
Does the ‘half plate’ formula work?
Two square meals a day
Entirely agreeing with Radhika, Dr Kesava Reddy Mannur, a global pioneer in metabolic surgeries to treat diabesity (diabetes and obesity), recalls the days when he used to have half-plate meals in Chennai. “Half-plate meals were more than enough. But many people want to try different types of foods when eating out. Buffet systems make one eat more,” he says and recalls how the mess system is becoming a rarity in present times. “I recall the Subbamma mess where we used to eat. They served two varieties of curries, rasam, and yoghurt, very fresh and tasty. Many in Hyderabad used to eat at 10:30 AM before and after work. Two square meals, that’s all that is required,” he points out. This, feels Dr Reddy, encourages small hotels and restaurants to flourish by providing cheap nutritious food in a homely atmosphere. “The problem is with the corporate sector. The corporate sector won't allow innovation to flourish. They build a different narrative. We all have become slaves of this corporate sector,” he adds.
THE BALANCED MANTRA
If one can eat a balanced meal, they can avoid being overweight and many diseases as well. “The Half Plate Formula is a great starting point or foundation for weight loss, especially for people who want to eat healthier without obsessing over numbers. For optimal results, it should be combined with mindful eating, attention to fat sources, and individual needs like activity level, age, or medical conditions,” says Dr Janaki Badugu, a senior consulting nutritionist. “The other day I had a patient who is interested in eating large quantities of rice. We have been trying ways and means to control the ‘large quantity’ for quite some time now. Finally, we began incorporating a small amount of rice into a vegetable salad, serving it on a plate alongside lean protein options such as fish, eggs, chicken, paneer, tofu, or dal. This is how each individual case is tackled. At the end of the counselling and discussion, we arrive at an agreed-upon form of eating. But the outcome needs to be optimal calories, protein and healthy fats.”
Eat only 70-80% of your appetite
Even in terms of Ayurveda, we believe in eating until we feel about 70-80% full. “In Indian and Japanese traditions you should eat less than what you feel would fill your stomach. This practice reduces load on our digestive organs and raises our metabolism,” says Simran Saini, nutrition and weight loss consultant.
Eating Out Healthy
Eating out doesn’t have to derail your health goals. “With awareness, planning, and simple swaps, you can enjoy delicious meals while staying committed to a healthy lifestyle. The key is balance, not restriction. Make choices that nourish your body and fit your long-term goals,” says Deepak Pal, sports & functional nutritionist, SENS Clinic. “Prioritizing protein and vegetables is one of the smartest ways to stay healthy and manage weight when eating out,” he adds.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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