At home, his skills are put to the test daily, especially when catering to the dietary needs of his family. His approach is rooted in tradition yet adapted for a modern, health-conscious lifestyle, proving that eating well does not mean giving up on taste or cultural identity.
Nutritional Foundations for an Active Family
Chef Anand embraces healthy eating, through a balanced diet, incorporating variety and moderation.
Nutritious Foods For A Healthy Diet.
A well-balanced meal consists of:
- Half a plate of fruit and vegetables – packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
- A quarter plate of wholegrains – a source of long-lasting energy.
- A quarter plate of good sources of protein – essential for muscle growth and repair.
For Chef Anand, this means thoughtfully incorporating nutrient-rich foods into everyday meals, ensuring his family gets the energy they need while keeping dishes delicious and culturally relevant.
South Indian Flavours with a Healthy Twist
Traditional South Indian cuisine is known for its aromatic spices, rich flavours, and comforting dishes. However, many classic recipes rely heavily on ingredients like ghee, white rice, and coconut-based gravies, which can be high in calories and fats.
To create a healthier version of these beloved meals, Chef Anand carefully modifies ingredients and cooking methods without compromising taste:
- Replacing white rice with millets or brown rice for more fibre and slower digestion.
- Opting for cooking oils with the Healthier Choice Symbol.
- Increasing the amount of stir fried vegetables in traditional curries and chutneys to add fibre, vitamins and minerals .
Chef Anand also ensures that fresh produce takes centre stage in his meals. By creatively incorporating more greens and legumes, he enhances both the nutritional value and the depth of flavour in his cooking.
Key Ingredients for Flavour and Health
For Chef Anand, good nutrition starts with quality ingredients. He believes in using whole foods that offer vital health benefits. Some of his favourite power-packed ingredients include:
- Wholegrains such as millets, rolled oats and brown rice– provide sustained energy, keeping the family fuelled throughout the day.
- Colourful, seasonal vegetables – high in vitamins and minerals, great for immune support.
- Spices like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and star anise – to enhance flavours without the need for excessive salt, sauces or seasonings.
- Good sources of protein such as fish, chicken, and tofu – help maintain muscle strength, especially important for growing teenagers and elders in the household.
By focusing on minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods, Chef Anand creates wholesome, satisfying meals that support both health and an active lifestyle.
Meal Planning for Busy Families
Balancing work, family, and meal preparation can be a challenge, but Chef Anand recommends these tips for efficient meal planning. His approach includes:
- Using seasonal ingredients for freshness, better taste, and cost-effectiveness.
- Preparing key ingredients in advance, such as soaking lentils or chopping vegetables, to make meal prep easier.
- Creating dishes that can be enjoyed across multiple meals, reducing kitchen time while ensuring variety.
- Planning weekly menus in advance, which allows his family to get a well-balanced diet.
His goal is to make home-cooked meals both practical and enjoyable, showing that healthy eating does not have to be time-consuming or restrictive.
Healthy Eating as a Lifestyle
For Chef Anand, healthy eating is not about sacrificing taste—it is about balance. His approach proves that nutrient-rich meals can still be deeply flavourful, staying true to cultural traditions while embracing healthier choices.
His final advice for families looking to improve their diets:
- Make small, sustainable changes—reduce salt and sugar intake, control portions, and eat mindfully by including vegetables in every meal, swapping refined grains with wholegrains, choosing lean meat over fatty meat, and ending off the meal with a fruit.
- Prioritise whole foods—real ingredients make all the difference.
Explore More on Healthy Eating
Looking to start your own journey towards balanced, flavourful meals? Visit HealthHub’s Nutrition Hub for expert tips, healthy recipes, and meal planning ideas.
Contributed By
- Health Promotion Board