Goan Diet For Good Health...!!!

A little long winded but funnily quite true!

This description of the Goan diet is most interesting and certainly worth keeping for the light it throws on Goan cultural background.

By and large, I grew up in a home where Mum subscribed to many of the principles of this Goan diet though her food was not quite as Spartan as this "Goan Diet". Certainly, 3 times a year, at the end of each school holidays, we were subjected to a purgative, Not funny. - Wendell Rodricks

Pre-lunch, whenever I visited my old friend Lucio, he would be sitting like a Buddha over a bowl of Goan kanji. The first time I saw him with his kanji I asked if this was a daily routine. Every single day he replied - It's the best diet, our Goan way of eating.

Many years later and after experimenting with many diets (in an attempt to cleanse the system once a year) I have come to the conclusion that Lucio is right. Today, our dietary patterns and physical activity have been altered so drastically that I decided to go on what I now call The Great Goan Diet.

Before anyone goes on the diet, it is necessary to reflect on the lifestyle of our ancestors. Imagine a Goan village a hundred years ago. Villages had no electricity, few cars and no telephones for sure. This meant walking to the wells, schools and market places. Messages were also passed on by foot (unlike the present phone-call-away sloth). Our ancestors walked, climbed and rode the humble but effective bicycle. Doctors today will affirm that riding a bicycle into old age is the best way to keep one's balance. Come rain or shine, all villagers went for a daily passoi (promenade) each evening. Most importantly they ate frugally and at fixed times.

Once this routine is accepted, half your weighty problems are eliminated. A few rules - all old Goan wisdom. No canned or bottled products. If its not fresh, forget it. Imagine that your refrigerator is solely for ice. Better still believe it does not exist and hence does not become the repository of frozen food, bottled sauces, junk food left overs and ugly soft drinks. If you want juice do it from fresh fruit.

Back to the Great Goan Diet. Begin the day with a cup of weak tea with a spot of milk. In the old days sugar was scarce and barely used. If you need sugar a tiny piece of good old Goan molasses (jaggery) adds sweetness and a lot of flavour. Local fruits such as guavas, mangoes,pineapples, papayas, bananas and humbler fruits from the hills such as zomnas found their way to the breakfast table. One of the principles of yoga is to eat what Mother Earth gives you in season. This simple principle drastically cuts out all the sugar laden apples and pears that now arrive from lands as far as China and Israel. Buy and consume local seasonal fruits. The same applies to vegetables, but more of that later. Not many families could afford an entire poyee or kankana per person. But a fresh poyee or chapatti made of whole wheat flour was consumed. Most often families shared half a poyee or kankana. Consider Chapattis made from nachne (red millet). Consume village eggs from local hens (when available) once a week. Nothing like blgaunthi eggs fried in coconut oil and drizzled with garden grown black pepper. English eggs? Never! Just the thought of those million chickens sitting in always lit cages has put me off chicken forever.

That takes care of breakfast. And that rules out butter, jams (except home made with seasonal fruit as a Sunday treat), cheese, cakes, biscuits croissants and all such luxuries that have invaded our modern lives. At 10.30, a bowl of Goan rice kanji water flavoured with a hint of homemade pickle or creamy kalchi kodi on the side. Insist on 'homemade' as too many chemicals and preservatives go into commercial pickles.

Ask any gym instructor or doctor and they will confirm that six small meals are best for health. This mid morning kanji wards off voracious hunger pangs at lunch which make you eat more than necessary.

Lunch comprises Goan boiled rice, fish curry made with small local fish and a piece of fried fish or local tisreos. It is amazing today to see lunch tables groaning with kingfish and one pomfret per person. In my youth my Mom expertly rationed one rechado pomfret on Sunday between four sons, my Dad and herself. Insist on local fish: sardines,velios, tisreos, catfish. Reserve the luxurious chonak, modso and larger fish for Sundays or feasts (like our ancestors did).

A vegetable is also welcome. Here as well, go for the local field grown tambdi bhaji or lady fingers.
At 4.00 pm, indulge in a cup of tea or chilled lemonade and a sweet. It was only at tea time that Goans enjoyed bolinhas, home made cakes and biscuits.

Whether you work or not, have long evening walks. Better still bicycle and play a game which involves rigorous physical activity. Have an early dinner. Yes you are allowed one or two drinks prior. Here again, go local. Its safer and cleaner to have a feni or urrack than a potent foreign liquor (Consume those on feast days).

If one goes back in time, dinner comprised dal or meat with a vegetable preparation. Chickens and pigs were feasted on only during village feasts, family weddings and religious festivals. Nowadays, chicken, pork and beef are a daily affair. Not only has it been proven unhealthy for the liver, meat is not advisable at night due to the excess digestive impact when meat is consumed. Many families ate Goan curry-rice at night too. Some enjoyed hot, whole wheat chappatis.

Be prudent when it comes to vegetables. Goa was not a great consumer of what the Western world now calls the new vegetables post 1495, such as potatoes and carrots. Goan families have always eaten the healthier options of beans, virvil (runner beans), gosalim (ridged gourd), red leaf (tambdi bhaji), ladies fingers, brinjals, tendlis, white pumpkin and tapioca. All other modern vegetables especially potatoes entered our lives a few hundred years ago and have been proven to be unhealthy sources of carbohydrates. The only alien vegetable intake that I encourage is salads and sprouted legumes, as a first course at lunch or dinner.

Ancestral wisdom should apply to the quality of food cooked such that there is never any food thrown away. I admire how my mother and my grandmother before her made exacting quantities and forced us to eat everything. No excuses were tolerated for not consuming vegetables. A single Five Star chocolate bar was split six ways. Dad would insist that no one rose from the dining table till all the food was consumed.

Today I am shocked to see people throwing mounds of cooked rice into a bin. Its appalling. Deserts were reserved for special days. On the rare summer day, an ice lolly was a real treat. We ate khotkhote (caramelized Goan jaggery chikki) when grandma wanted to treat us.

The occasional Extra Strong mints from the local posaro(shop) were reserved for summer holidays once a week. Best post meal desert is to go way back in time and reflect on Goa's grandeur by chewing on a single paan (betel leaf).

After dinner, have a small leisurely walk (to admire the moon or stars). Do not look at this as an exercise because exercise in any form post meal is not recommended. A leisurely walk (especially in villages) encourages the intake of fresh air and ensures sound sleep. Before retiring, a glass of fresh local goat or cow milk (bottled milk is unhealthy) is an option. Milk in packets or long-shelf bottles are obtained in most part by keeping cows in a lactating state forever and then dosed with preservatives. If you cannot source fresh milk,it is better not to consume milk at all.

One final tip on the Goan lifestyle. Once a month we were rudely awakened to a tablespoon of castor oil forced into our mouths followed by hot sweet tea. It kept us in the loo for the entire morning but away from ill health.

Try the Great Goan Diet. It will change how your body, face and skin looks(and feels.)

Whoever coined the phrase 'age old wisdom' certainly knew about the wisdom of the good old Goan way of life.

Do more for people with dementia, advocates urge
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/08/10/nl-more-dementia-alzheimers-patients...
CBC News | Aug 10, 2012 

Shirley Lucas of the Alzheimer Society said the numbers of people with dementia and Alzheimer's are increasing.

Dementia advocates are urging the province to do more for people with the disease after a man with Alzheimer's went missing for five days, leaving a nursing home in Stephenville and then travelling to New Brunswick. The man was found safe in Saint John.

The Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador said the province needs to prepare for a growing population of people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

One of the greatest needs said executive director Shirley Lucas is additional housing.

"If we were to look at the baby boom population, we know that the existing care that we have out there isn't going to meet that demand," Lucas added.

She said new and innovative ways need to be found to provide proper care.

"It's time to look at different housing options, such as secured units for patients," said Lucas.

Because people with Alzheimer's and dementia experience many stages in their illness, there is no one–fit solution, she added.

Updated Allergen Labelling Rules Now in Effect - Providing Families More Accurate Information About the Food They Eat
August 3, 2012
For immediate release
Factsheet: What to Look For on Food Labels – Allergy Awareness

Ottawa – New allergen labelling regulations for most foods sold in Canada will take effect today. The new regulations, which were announced on February 14, 2011 by The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, will help parents and Canadians who suffer from food allergies make more informed choices about the foods they buy.

“Our government is committed to supporting parents and all Canadians by providing the tools they need when shopping for themselves and their families,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Today, we take another important step by providing Canadians who live with allergies and celiac disease with clearer labels so they can identify foods they can safely eat”.

The new regulations will benefit Canadians in a number of ways. They will provide clearer ingredient labels so that consumers can better avoid foods that contain the ingredient to which they are allergic or sensitive. The department has also refined its definition of gluten-free, which will increase food choices available to Canadians dealing with celiac disease.

As well, the strengthened regulations will provide manufacturers with clear requirements so that allergens, gluten sources, and sulphites are labeled in a consistent manner. These new requirements are aimed at reducing the number of food recalls and adverse reactions.

Please see Health Canada’s Fact Sheet for information
For more information on food allergies, food intolerances, and celiac disease, please visit:
Health Canada's Food Allergy and Intolerances Pagee
Health Canada's Allergen Labelling Page
Health Canada's Celiac Disease Page
CFIA's Food Allergens Page

Teachers give technology top marks. Nearly all (89%) Canadian teachers interviewed believe students should be able to bring tech products to class

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Aug. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - The vast majority of Canadian teachers interviewed support allowing personal technology in classrooms, according to a recent survey commissioned by Staples Canada in June. Nearly all (89 per cent) believe students should be allowed to bring technology products, including tablets and laptops to class, based on a survey of teachers conducted by Vision Critical on behalf of Staples Canada.

"Computing in the classroom is our new reality, and I fully support its use for educational purposes," said Michelle Topp, teacher at Beverley Acres Public School (York Region District School Board). "Tablets and computers in the class are used for note taking and research. They also help students study and complete projects at home."

The study revealed that 50 per cent of Canadian teachers surveyed believe students learn more when they take notes on portable devices, such as laptops. In addition, over half (56 per cent) of surveyed teachers think technology tools should be introduced into the classroom before high school.

"Technology continues to become a more prominent part of our everyday life," Topp said.

"The younger students learn how to use technology in a classroom setting, the more successful they will be at mastering it when older, for example when pursuing a career."

Technology at home is increasingly important for schoolwork. Three-quarters of Canadian school-aged children are completing their homework primarily using a laptop or desktop computer, according to a second Vision Critical survey of Canadian parents. Only 21 per cent of respondents said the children in their household do homework with a pen and paper, illustrating the shift towards technology.

Woman can legally die with doctor's help
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/health/Woman+legally+with+doctor+help/7075661/story... 
StarPhoenix

The woman from West Kelowna, B.C., who was diagnosed with ALS three years ago and whose health continues to deteriorate, was among the plaintiffs in a landmark case that saw the B.C. Supreme Court strike down Canada's ban on doctor-assisted ... Click here to read more

Lack of supplementary health care coverage keeps some Canadians from...
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/lack-supplementary-health-care-coverage...
Yahoo! News Canada (blog)

"With close to one fifth of Canadians — that's six million people — lacking supplementary health care coverage, this is clearly a gap that needs to be addressed," Maureen O'Neil, CEO of the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, a poll co ... Click here to read more


Caffeine: the New Treatment for Parkinson's?
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/caffeine-the-new-treatment-for-parkinsons.html 
Care2.com

A new study from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in Canada, published in Neurology, suggests that caffeine can help control the tremors, movement difficulties, and motor dysfunctions that are typical of Parkinson's sufferers… Click here to read more

CIBC Poll: Almost half of Canadians say their household has no money set aside for emergencies

Poll shows younger Canadians are the least likely to have an emergency savings fund

Toronto, Aug. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - A new CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) poll conducted by Harris/Decima reveals that 45 per cent of Canadians do not have an emergency savings fund, meaning an unexpected expense or emergency could have them dipping into RRSPs or taking on debt to get by. The poll also shows that experience counts when it comes to planning ahead, with younger Canadians less likely to have an emergency savings fund.

Key Poll Findings:

• 45 per cent of Canadians do not have an emergency savings fund

• By demographic, Canadians aged 45-64 are the most likely to be prepared for an emergency, with 60 per cent reporting they have emergency savings put aside

• The likelihood of having an emergency savings fund declines among younger Canadians - only 51 per cent of Canadians aged 18-44 say their household has emergency savings.

"Once you've experienced the financial challenges that come with a leaky roof or an unexpected car repair, the value of having some cash set aside for emergencies becomes clear," said Christina Kramer, Executive Vice President, Retail Distribution and Channel Strategy, CIBC. "Our poll shows an opportunity for more Canadians to start building up an emergency fund, to help get them through an unexpected expense and avoid dipping into long term savings to pay for a short term problem."

Canadians aged 45-64 are more likely to say their household has an emergency savings fund. This could be attributable to life experience - they may have experienced an emergency in the past and have learned to set money aside for a rainy day.

"It's important to plan for your long term financial goals, but you also need to be prepared for the unexpected by having some funds set aside for emergencies," noted Ms. Kramer. "For younger Canadians who are just starting out financially, building an emergency fund should be a priority, even if it's only a small amount that you build on over time."

Emergency savings should be separate from your other savings accounts
It's important to distinguish between emergency savings, retirement savings and other savings goals. Your emergency savings account should be a separate account that you contribute to regularly, and while accessible, isn't touched for anything except emergencies.

Without emergency savings, Canadians may need to turn to their RRSPs or to borrowing accounts to fund any emergency expenses, which can impact their ability to meet longer term financial goals.

"You don't want to be in a position where you need to cash out some of your RRSPs or take on debt because of an unexpected expense," said Ms. Kramer.

Even if you have built up emergency savings, it's important to remember that emergencies aren't once in a lifetime occurrences. Once Canadians have used their emergency savings fund, it's important to build it back up so that they are prepared for the next unexpected event.