-Deva Narayan
Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day and your body gets ready for the whole daily schedule in the morning with the first meal. The first Indian meal of the day is full of spices, and flavors which we can’t imagine in breakfast. Globalization has changed many things including our food habits and now Indians prefer Western-style breakfast but still nothing can beat an old traditional classic breakfast.
Traditional Indian breakfasts are as varied as the country itself. Every region has its specialties. The South has idli and dosa, in the North, you have parathas and poha, and in the West they have dhokla. Most of these dishes are made using regional ingredients, spices, and age-old recipes.
Benefits
Indian breakfasts usually excel in nutritional variety as they are usually high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are made with whole grains, vegetables, and pulses. E.g. Idlis are made of fermented rice and urad dal and are a great source of protein and probiotics. Most Indian breakfasts consist of a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats making it a balanced meal. Parathas stuffed with vegetables or paneer can deliver macronutrients in one go. It is spices and herbs that also give these dishes their characteristic flavors. But they also contain some really impressive health benefits like aiding digestion or having anti-inflammatory properties.
Drawbacks
Traditional Indian breakfasts require a lot of time to prepare, not suitable for busy mornings as we have to plan and cook on the same day. Some Indian breakfast items like parathas with ghee or deep-fried puris can be high in calories and unhealthy fats leading to weight gain if eaten in excess.
The West
Western-style breakfasts like cereal with milk, toast with jam, pancakes and scrambled eggs have gained popularity in India too. These are often advertised as being convenient, quick to make, and suitable for our fast-paced modern lifestyle. You can prepare Western breakfasts easily. They are perfect if you don’t have time to cook in the morning. It takes only a few minutes of culinary experience to make ready-to-eat cereals or smoothies.
Benefits
Most of the packaged breakfast items from Western countries are all pre-measured proportions so you do not end up eating extra calories. There is an abyss of options when it comes to a Western-style breakfast. You get access to whole grain cereals, yogurt, fruits, etc which makes it easier for you to have a balanced diet.
Drawbacks
Many of the breakfast items in the West are highly processed and contain added sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats which can lead to various health issues like obesity, diabetes, etc. Certain Western breakfasts, like white bread toast with jam, can be devoid of necessary nutrients and essentially are empty calories. Choosing Western breakfasts over traditional fare can lead to cultural disconnect and disassociation from culinary roots.
Both classic Indian breakfasts and Western-style breakfasts have their own sets of benefits and drawbacks. Indian breakfasts offer nutritional variety and rich flavors but can be time-consuming and sometimes calorie-dense. Western breakfasts provide convenience and portion control but often come with the downside of processed ingredients and less nutritional density. The ideal approach might be to blend the best of both worlds, incorporating the convenience of Western-style breakfasts with the nutritional richness and traditional flavors of Indian cuisine. Ultimately, the goal should be to enjoy a balanced, nutritious, and satisfying breakfast that aligns with one’s lifestyle and dietary needs.