“I realized that the answer to the supposedly incredibly complicated question of what we should eat wasn't so complicated after all, and in fact could be boiled down to just seven words: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
Michael Pollan, “Food Rules: An Eater's Manual”
In this edition of our Self-care Month series, we’ve collaborated with Pooja Makhija, a celebrity nutritionist and functional practitioner and the founder of Nourish, to bring you some simple tips to make nutrition and self-care a part of your everyday.
In what way are food and nutrition connected to self-care?
Pooja: The one thing that you put inside your body—which is magnificent and working 24/7—voluntarily, is food. Even the air we breathe is something we can't control. So if you learn the art of eating right, then you automatically ace the art of living, right? And that in itself equals self-care and self-love—taking steps so that you are disease-free, happy, and the best version of yourself.
What are some common myths about nutrition that should be dispelled?
Pooja: The biggest myth is that we are trying to prioritize one nutrient over the other in an attempt to encourage outcomes like weight loss or sugar control. Food is nurture, it's not calories. So I think the most important thing that people have to realize is that all nutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals—are born alike, and are equally important for your body. If consuming these in a balanced way makes you look good, that's just the icing on the cake. But if you feel good and are internally disease free and not relying on medicines, I think that's what's called being healthy.
How should our community approach the recipe you have created?
Pooja: The recipe is so simple that it requires only five minutes of chopping, no fancy equipment or ingredients, and is so customisable that every day the combinations can be different. Just do it every day. The magic is in consistency.
Pooja Makhija’s Nourish Booster Juice
“Vegetable juice is a potent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. It provides a concentrated dose of nutrients found in vegetables, allowing you to consume a wide range of beneficial compounds and antioxidants in a single glass,” says Pooja.
Ingredients
Carrot
A source of beta-carotene that helps promote healthy vision
Beetroot
A source of folate (Vitamin B9) which supports heart health
Celery
A source of antioxidants that reduce inflammation
Cucumber
Has a high water and fibre content
Amla
A very high concentration of Vitamin C which aids in glowing skin
Seasoning Options
Lime Juice
A source of Vitamin C which boosts immunity and reduces inflammation
Fresh Ginger Juice
Rich in antioxidants and aids digestion
Mint Leaves
A source of vitamin A and antioxidants
Rock Salt
A more natural source of sodium than table salt
Pepper
A source of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties
Method
Roughly chop the ingredients and blend them in a juicer or food processor with some water. You may choose to strain the mixture. Flavour with your seasoning of choice. Serve and drink immediately after preparing.
Other Combinations
- Tomato + Celery + Cucumber
- Carrot + Tomato + Spinach
- Cucumber + Coriander + Spinach
- Tomato + Beetroot + Spinach
- Tomato + Coriander + Mint
- Dudhi/Lauki + Tomato + Celery
Notes
- Use only raw vegetables.
- Use at least 3 vegetables.
- Do not use any fruit.
