How can we maintain simplicity in the foods we eat?   Hello Kusumita, :) I found your question refreshing and very mature for your age. Good job! Now if we can just get the grown ups to think similarly, right? At NutritionVista, we dietitians believe that food should be eaten as simply as possible to maximize our nourishment. Fresh and uncooked is simpler, involves less effort, is crunchier, more flavorful and best of all nutritious. Did you know that most vegetables give maximum nutrition when eaten raw or cooked as little as possible? Eating fresh whole fruits not only look and taste better but they give much more nutrients per serving than those in bottled juice or tetra pack form. So here are my 5 simplicity points: 1. Grilling or baking food is better than frying or gravied. Less masala is better. 2. Raw or steamed veggies are better than overcooked in a karhai or wok. 3. All fried foods have higher caloric and fat content, and foods lose their nutrition qualities during frying. 4. Balance what all you eat by trying to eat recommended servings from each food group. 5. Make water your buddy and pal, that keeps you company and hydrated the whole day through. And 10 simpler food options: 1.Plain rice instead of biryani 2. Grilled chicken instead of fried chicken 3. Baked potato instead of french fries 4. Plain dals and rajmah instead of maakhani dal made with butter 5. Chapatti instead of pooris or bhaturas 6. Small scoop of Ice cream with fresh fruit, instead of gulab jamuns, or jalebis 7. Green salads made with veggies and fruits 8. Low fat yogurt and low fat milk 9.Nuts and dried fruit instead of chips 10. Light popcorn instead of samosas. Your mantra is right. Simplicity leads to satisfaction and better health. Now, why don't you tell us your favorite dish and send us your favorite recipe. We would love to try it out and let you know how healthy it truly is. Bye for now. Sincerely, Ms Vijaylakshmi Iyengar Dietitian, NutritionVista.com