Diets die fast. The first-of-its-kind 'Food Meditation' series in the city is all set to help you take a different approach when it comes to mindful munching

Is water with meals good or bad? Is talking at mealtimes okay? Simple questions; and we still don't know the answers. In an innovative initiative by an independent group that takes little interest in being named or famed, the art of eating in peace will come alive. In the Food Meditation session, there will be no verbal exchange, and cellphones will need to be switched off. The questions and discussion will take place after the special meal. If you're wondering what's on the meditative menu, the organisers will serve a light, restorative, healing and uplifting spread with millets, herbs and spices.



To be more specific, on your platter will be popped amaranthus with Raisins and dry fruits, a combination of milk, turmeric and jaggery, jhangora + naurangi daal + jakhia tadka (actually a khichdi), Amaranth laddu and honey.

Need for seed

Amaranth seeds, like buckwheat and quinoa, contain protein that is unusually complete for plant sources. Most fruits and vegetables do not contain a complete set of amino acids necessitating additional protein supplementation. The nutritious content of Amaranth seeds include its high protein, calcium, folk acid and vitamin C, as well as au00a0 nearly perfect balance of essential amino acids that the human body needs to make proteins. Essential amino acid lysine, which is scarce in all other cereal grains, is abundant in amaranths.

Popped amaranth seeds provide a good source of protein, which can satisfy a large portion of recommended protein requirements for children and can also provide 70 per cent of necessary calories. In addition, a combination of rice and amaranths, in 1:1 ratio, has been designated as an excellent way to achieve the protein allowance recommended by the World Health Organization. Aesop's Fables (6th century BC) compares the Rose to the Amaranth to illustrate the difference between fleeting and everlasting beauty.

A Rose and an Amaranth blossomed side by side in a garden, and the Amaranth said to her neighbour,
"How I envy you your beauty and your sweet scent! No wonder you are such a universal favourite."

But the Rose replied with a shade of sadness in her voice, "Ah, my dear friend, I bloom but for a time: my petals soon wither and fall, and then I die.

But your flowers never fade, even if they are cut; for they are everlasting.

Food meditation
When: Sunday, December 13, 1 to 3 pm
Participation is by registration on payment only.
Call: The Attic on 9911950530 or email anaam@aol.in
Charges: Students: Rs 25. Others: Rs 100
Registration closes December 10; no walk-ins